A Powerful Play Raising Awareness of Knife Crime
By Simmie Harper
I Love North Shields had the privilege of attending the premiere of Our Sam – A Beautiful Tragedy at the Memorial Hall in Wallsend. Presented by Wild Rose Theatre Group, this production tells the deeply heartbreaking story of 18-year-old Samantha Madgin, who was tragically stabbed to death in Wallsend just weeks after giving birth to her son, Callum.
It’s difficult to find the words to express the weight of emotions in that room. Seeing Samantha’s story unfold on stage was a raw reminder of how one senseless act can affect not just a family but an entire community. Samantha’s mother, Alison, and sister, Carly, have lived with this unimaginable grief for 17 years, turning their loss into a fight to stop similar tragedies from happening to other families. Their strength to continue sharing their story is something that left the audience in awe.
Another powerful moment came when Carly, Samantha’s sister, shared a deeply personal poem she had written about losing her sister. As she stood on stage, her words were filled with such raw emotion that the silence in the room spoke volumes. Carly’s voice carried the weight of years of grief, love, and an urgent plea for change, and it was clear that the pain of the loss was still very real for her.
Since Samantha’s tragic death in 2007, her family has dedicated their lives to raising awareness about the dangers of carrying knives. Through Samantha’s Legacy, they’ve worked tirelessly to educate young people across the North East, delivering workshops in schools and community groups with the hope that Samantha’s story will prevent further loss.
The production itself is a tribute to their commitment. Writer and director Donna Peat worked closely with the family to ensure Our Sam stayed true to the raw emotions and struggles they’ve faced. The cast, a mix of professional actors and drama students from Gateshead College, delivered performances that were not only heart-wrenching but incredibly real. It was especially moving to see Samantha’s actual clothing worn during the performance, adding a deeply personal and intimate touch to the experience.
Producer Fiona Surrey reflected on the project, saying, “This was the hardest project I’ve ever worked on, but the most passionate and dedicated work by Wild Rose Theatre Group and Samantha’s Legacy. All the hard work, long hours, tears, and laughter came together to create something so powerful and emotional.”
The play doesn’t hold back from showing the harsh truths. It takes the audience through the aftermath of Samantha’s death, showing how her family and friends were left shattered, how the community was left grieving, and how, even years later, the pain remains. It shows the long-term impact—on Callum, who has had to grow up without his mother, on Alison and Carly, who have spent years reliving the worst day of their lives to try to make a difference, and on the many people who left the theatre with heavy hearts and a renewed understanding of the devastating effects of knife crime.
This isn’t just a play; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that behind every tragic headline, there’s a family whose life has been forever altered. We urge everyone to see it—not just to honour Samantha’s memory but to truly understand the lasting impact of one senseless act.
Upcoming performances:
Playhouse Whitley Bay
January 30th & 31st 2025
https://www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk/events/our-sam/
NE28 SUITE Wallsend
February 7th 2025
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/our-sam-tickets-1080384792999
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For more information follow Facebook Samantha’s Legacy or visit the website www.samanthaslegacy.com
