Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The conundrums of processing grief
PETER MASON recommends a play which eloquently addresses the emotional consequences of an unexpected death in the family
STRONG PERFORMANCE: (L to R) Ruby Barker as Imani, Suzette Llewellyn as Shirley and Wil Johnson as Maxwell [Jahvin Morgan Photography]

Running with Lions  
Lyric Hammersmith, London  


 SAD but uplifting, Running with Lions is the story of a British-Caribbean family struggling to come to terms with the death of Joshua — son of Maxwell and Shirley, younger brother of Gloria and uncle of Imani, Gloria’s 16-year-old daughter.  

Joshua was killed as a young man in a hit-and-run accident many years back, yet no-one in the household has been able to process their grief.   

Gloria has had several breakdowns, Shirley shuts down all mention of her son, and Maxwell, a preacher, is secretly paralysed by the idea that God could have done such a thing.  

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
spy who
Theatre Review / 7 January 2026
7 January 2026

PETER MASON applauds a stage version of Le Carre’s novel that questions what ordinary people have to gain from high-level governmental spying

stars
Theatre review / 14 July 2025
14 July 2025

MARY CONWAY applauds the success of Beth Steel’s bitter-sweet state-of-the-nation play

moon
Theatre review / 27 June 2025
27 June 2025

MARY CONWAY revels in the Irish American language and dense melancholy of O’Neill’s last and little-known play

Tilda Swinton in I Am Love
Cinema / 17 April 2025
17 April 2025
The Star's critics ANGUS REID, ANDY HEDGECOCK and MICHAL BONCZA reviews I Am Love, The Penguin Lessons, Freaky Tales, The Thicket