Sophie Lancaster Play To Debut In London

A play based on the murder of Sophie Lancaster is set to make its debut performance in a couple of weeks’ time.

Original conceived as a radio play by Simon Armitage, Black Roses will run for a limited number of dates at London’s Southbank centre, starting on Monday March 24.

Click here for a full list of performance times

Sophie, alongside her boyfriend, was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a group of teenagers in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, in August 2007. She was taken to hospital unconscious and later died of her injuries. Her death led to the formation of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, with Bloodstock Festival also dedicating their second stage to her memory.

Merlin was promoted to Executive Editor of Louder in early 2022, following over ten years working at Metal Hammer. While there, he served as Online Editor and Deputy Editor, before being promoted to Editor in 2016. Before joining Metal Hammer, Merlin worked as Associate Editor at Terrorizer Magazine and has written for Classic Rock, Rock Sound, eFestivals and others. Across his career he has interviewed legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Metallica, Iron Maiden (including getting a trip on Ed Force One courtesy of Bruce Dickinson), Guns N' Roses, KISS, Slipknot, System Of A Down and Meat Loaf. He has also presented and produced the Metal Hammer Podcast, presented the Metal Hammer Radio Show and is probably responsible for 90% of all nu metal-related content making it onto the site.