one4review | On 25, Aug 2026

Josiah, based on the autobiography of Josiah Henson, charts the extraordinary journey of a man born into slavery in Maryland. At its heart is a stunning performance from Cassel Miles, who not only plays Josiah but every other character in this remarkable story.

Josiah’s father is sold when Josiah is a child, and after their owner drowns, Josiah and his mother are then sold to Isaac Riley, the highest bidder. Despite deprivation and the ever-present threat of a whipping, Josiah strives to excel and, poignantly, to please his master. Attempts to learn to read are thwarted, but his abilities eventually see him promoted and the farm prosper. Josiah also finds comfort and fulfilment in religion where sermons advocating that Jesus died for all mankind open’s Josiah’s eyes to the fact that a life in slavery is not in God’s plan.

Isaac’s drinking cripples the farm’s finances and as a result he eventually sends Josiah with a group of slaves to his brother’s Kentucky farm, asking for his brother to sell all the slaves bar Josiah and his family. Here Josiah’s fortunes take another dramatic turn. When a chance to buy his freedom is thwarted by Isaac, Josiah manages to dodge what seems certain to be a miserable end. Crucially, he finally understands that loyalty and hard work will never bring him freedom: his only hope of happiness is to escape slavery.

Miles is a wonderfully physical storyteller, moving nimbly across the stage and slipping effortlessly between characters. At times, he taps his shoes rhythmically against the floor to conjure the sound of horses’ hooves, one of many imaginative touches that bring Josiah’s world vividly to life. This is wonderful theatre by a consummate performer.

5 stars *****
Reviewed by Rona
Theatre 1 at theSpace @ Surgeons‘ Hall
Until 29th August
17:55 – 19:10