In 2007 Sophie Lancaster was attacked in a park because of her appearance. Writer and poet Simon Armitage was so affected by her story that he and his producer Susan Roberts decided to make it into a drama documentary for Radio Four. The result was a profoundly moving piece of work combining specially written poems with an interview with Sylvia, Sophie’s mother. Black Roses was met with critical and public acclaim and subsequently turned into a play for Manchester Royal Exchange. Now in its third incarnation it has been turned into a film and will feature in the BBC’s forthcoming poetry season. Cassian Harrison, controller of BBC Four, talks to Simon and Susan about the challenges of making the film and its journey from radio to stage and now to screen.

Not for broadcast.