New drama based on true story of young North East mum killed in knife crime
'Our Sam' aims to shed some light on the devastating impact of violence on friends and families of victims. It makes its debut at the Whitley Bay Playhouse on January 30 and 31.
The powerful drama is based on the life of Samantha Madgin, a new mum who was stabbed to death by a teenage girl after she tried to break up a fight in a Wallsend street in 2007. Samantha, 18, had given birth to her son just 10 weeks before.
Samantha Madgin, who was stabbed to death by a teenage girl after she tried to break up a fight in the street in 2007 (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Developed in collaboration with Samantha's family and Wild Roses Theatre, Our Sam dives deep into the emotional aftermath of her death, revealing the impact on her loved ones.
The production explores themes of grief, loss, and the unrealised potential of a young life cut short.
It also celebrates Samantha's loving, joyful spirit and the profound love she had for her infant son, who tragically only spent 68 days with her.
Central to the production is Samantha's Legacy, the charity founded by Samantha's mother, Alison Madgin, and sister, Carly Barrett.
The family has worked closely with the theatre company to ensure every detail is true to Samantha's life.
The cast of Our Sam in rehearsals for the play ahead of its opening at Whitley Bay Playhouse (Image: SAMANTHA'S LEGACY)
In an extremely personal touch, the cast will wear clothing items belonging to Samantha and her late brother Lee, who passed away a decade after Samantha, adding even more emotion to the performance.
'Bringing Samantha and Lee to life on stage in this way is incredibly emotional, but we felt it was important to share their story in a way that truly resonates,' said Carly
'If we can reach even one person and help prevent another tragedy, we will have succeeded. It has been a pleasure to see the cast grow not only with their acting talents but also as people. They have become one big family, and I can't thank them enough for helping this happen.'
While Our Sam delivers a sobering message about the consequences of knife crime, it also captures the happier, more tender moments of Samantha's life, offering a powerful and heartfelt narrative for audiences, particularly young people, to reflect on.
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Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said 'Knife crime is such a difcult topic to tackle but one we mustn't shy away from.
'This production in another example of the awe-inspiring work of Samantha's Legacy – always keeping the conversation about carrying knives going – raising awareness of the dangers, right through to the consequences 'Samantha's story is there to be learned from, and my thanks go to everyone involved in sharing it to help educate others.'
Our Sam – A Drama Inspired by the True Story of Samantha Madgin, will be pefromed at Whitley Bay Playhouse on January 30 and 31. Tickets are available now via the Whitley Bay Playhouse website.
The cast of Our Sam in rehearsals for the play ahead of its opening at Whitley Bay Playhouse (Image: SAMANTHA'S LEGACY)
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