On Saturday 5 January the Marine Theatre Lyme Regis brought in something for the country fans of West Dorset. Previously the tributes had more frequently been for the rock fans but Ring of Fire offered a celebration of the Man in Black - Johnny Cash.

The fans poured in and were not disappointed. “They did Johnny Cash proud” said a Gerry Mckeow from Charmouth. Sean Collingham and his band brought the essence of the Johnny Cash to the stage. Sean’s rich voice complemented the tender emotional elements of the love songs and equally suited the energetic rhythms of numbers like One Piece at a Time.

Wendy Knee also from Charmouth explained “I didn’t know much about his music till I saw the film “Walk the Line” but then I really became interested. His interpretation was excellent, and his backing group were really strong too. It was lovely to hear his daughter singing in harmony with him on “Times the are A’wasting”

June Carter, who was such a central part of Johnny Cash’s life, was celebrated too, when Rachel Collingham aged on 18,  joined the band on stage, with them for the first time in public, she sang with charm and confidence. Numbers like Sugar Time and Jackson suited the mingling of her voice with her father’s and her brother in the band clearly enjoyed the family performing together. This reflection of family ties which were a part of Johnny Cash’s own life, with his close connection with June Carter and her performances with her family made the moment particularly poignant.

 “Sean’s son on double base was very charismatic” said one of the audience, “I am sure we will hear more of him”

The large audience were  really thrilled to have an opportunity to hear these songs performed and the jive dancers in the audience rocked with confidence to numbers like “Get Rhythm” and “Fulsom Prison Blues” The theatre is now dark for three weeks while maintenance work is done, including fixing a leak that actually dripped on to the audience on Saturday night, but didn’t dampen their spirits.