One of the most famous love stories in music history is set to take centre stage in Dublin next year, as THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE makes its Irish premiere at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Running from Tuesday 31 March until Saturday 11 April 2026, the new musical charts the extraordinary personal and professional journey of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, two artists whose partnership shaped the sound and soul of American country music for generations.
Created with the full support of the Cash family and told through the eyes of their son John Carter Cash, the production explores the soaring highs and devastating lows of a relationship that was as complex as it was influential. From life on the road to global fame, addiction, faith and redemption, the show offers a deeply personal portrait of a couple whose love story became inseparable from their music.
Johnny Cash, often referred to as The Man in Black, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognisable voices in music history. Over the course of his career, he sold more than 90 million records worldwide, won 13 Grammy Awards, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. His music, rooted in country but shaped by folk, gospel and rock influences, gave voice to outsiders, prisoners and the working class, earning him a reputation as both a storyteller and cultural icon.
June Carter Cash, meanwhile, was a trailblazer in her own right. Born into the legendary Carter Family, she was a multi-talented performer, songwriter and comedian who helped define early country music. Across her career, she won five Grammy Awards, and her songwriting credits include the iconic Ring of Fire, one of Johnny Cash’s most enduring hits.
The pair married in 1968 after years of collaboration and touring together, and remained married until June’s death in 2003. Johnny Cash died just four months later, bringing to a close one of the most celebrated partnerships in music history.
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE brings that story to life through a soundtrack packed with classic songs including I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Hey Porter, Jackson, and I’ve Been Everywhere. The musical is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, whose previous credits include Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
The production has already enjoyed sold-out runs at New York’s La Jolla Playhouse and Canada’s Citadel Theatre, with its Irish premiere marking a major moment for fans of country music and musical theatre alike.
Producer Howard Panter said: “We are delighted to be bringing this acclaimed production of The Ballad of Johnny and June to theatres in the UK and Ireland for a major tour in 2026. A journey through love, struggle and redemption told through some of the greatest music ever written and brought to life by an exceptional creative team. We can’t wait for audiences to experience this extraordinary story that captures the passion and power of two true musical icons.”
The show’s unique perspective comes from John Carter Cash, an award-winning producer, writer and musician who has spent decades preserving and expanding the musical legacy of his parents and grandparents. His involvement ensures the story remains grounded in authenticity, focusing not just on fame, but on the humanity behind the headlines.
Tickets for THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE are on sale now, with prices starting from €29.80, and the production is expected to be one of the standout musical events at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in 2026.
For Irish audiences, it offers a rare chance to experience the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash — not just as legends, but as two people whose love, flaws and music left an indelible mark on the world.
