King Cotton at the Empire

KING COTTON MAKES YOU THINK
DO WE STILL HAVE VIRTUAL SLAVES IN INDIA AND CHINA??

My mind is still whirring, debating and analysing life after the amazing production of King Cotton at the Empire Theatre on Tuesday night. A co-commission between the Culture Company and The Lowry, this ambitious new musical, written by one of my favourite writers Jimmy McGovern, has finally come to fruition after six years in the making. King Cotton serves not only as a great reminder of the amazing talent we have on our doorstep, but also the sacrifices that were made by so many to achieve things we take for granted today. Jimmy McGovern’s interview in the programme literally made me stop in my tracks – Do we still have virtual slaves in China and India producing much of our consumables at ‘slave labour rates?’ Are we modern day masters? ‘Fair trade’ is not a fancy new phrase from nowhere, it has deep roots and in our world of relative plenty we should spare more than a thought to where our luxuries come from and what price people are paid to produce them! What do you think?
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That said, King Cotton has a fabulous cast (lovely to see John Henshaw who I worked with on ‘Nice Guy Eddie’), an amazing brass band, stunning set and chilling lighting. Most of all, it is written by one of the greatest writing talents not only this city, but this country has produced in Jimmy McGovern. It is an emotional workout, and reminded me that we should be grateful for the lives we have.

Are you a Jimmy McGovern fan? What do you think is his best work yet? (I say that in the hope that there is much more to come!)

Jen Heyes (Cut to the Chase) and Paul Corcoran (Agent Marketing)

Jayne Moore (Agent Marketing) and Tayo Aluko (Bisayo Group)

Alison Cliffe (Ness Gardens) and Carole Baldock (Orbis)

Jane Lloyd (Empire Theatre) and Jimmy McGovern

Julie Anderson (Culture Co) and Jonathan Harper (The Lowry)