Black Roses returns to Royal Exchange Studio

Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster reflects on the life of Sophie, a gap-year student who was beaten unconscious in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup, in August 2007.

The production, which was originally a radio play, will see Rachel Austin take on the role of Sophie, while Julie Hesmondhalgh (best known as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street) will play her mother Sylvia Lancaster.

Written as an elegy to Sophie by poet Simon Armitage – alongside the words of Sylvia – the play was brought to the stage for the first time in September 2012. It played to packed houses, and scooped two Manchester Theatre Awards.

Co-director Sarah Frankcom said: “Sophie’s story needs to keep being told, again and again. It is also a great example of what we believe theatre can be and do – provocative, challenging and profoundly affecting.”

Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster will run at The Royal Exchange from 26 February – 8 March.

It will also tour North West community venues and theatre spaces, after The Royal Exchange was awarded funds as part of Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Programme.

– Rebecca Cohen