Anna Burnside reviews a strong production 'with musicality and atmosphere.'
Despite her big hair and bigger personality, June Carter Cash has got lost behind the legend of her late husband, Johnny. Now Glaswegian actor Charlene Boyd has given her back the spotlight, finding common ground as a single parent struggling with mum-guilt in a male dominated industry.
There is a lot of country music history packed into these 80 minutes, but it’s really Boyd’s story (it would be a journey if this was Strictly rather than a Fringe show) to a Cash Carter soundtrack.
Her own childhood could be a country song, and her upbringing did not encourage smart girls to be creative. So, when lockdown happened and she found herself in a bare-floored high rise with two kids and no income, writing a show about a country music legend was way out of her comfort zone.
Without the resources of the National Theatre of Scotland and co-producers Grid Iron, this could have veered into tribute show territory. But an excellent band - Ray Aggs, Amy Duncan and Harry Ward - brings musicality and atmosphere. Ward, who has Johnny Cash’s low-slung vocal range, also provides male voices.
Summerhall’s Dissection Room becomes a promenade set for Boyd to strut, the chairs strewn with costume changes, T-shirts and sequins lining the walls. Designer Shona Reppe’s attention to detail is astounding, adding an element of object theatre to an already intense show.
The frenetic pace of Cora Bissett’s direction takes it close to sensory overload. More space would give everything - music, set, performances - room to breathe. With so much to appreciate it's a shame to miss a beat.
June Carter Cash: The Woman, Her Music and Me performs at Summerhall until August 24, 2024 (no performance on the 19th) before embarking on tour. Check the National Theatre of Scotland’s website for tour details. Check Summerhall for possible returns as its run there has sold out.
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