Brought to audiences across the country by the touring theatre company ‘Mikron’, this excellent performance details the 250 year history of the co-operative movement in a fun filled two and half hour performance. A few weeks ago I spent a very enjoyable Sunday evening near Milton Keynes watching ‘Fairtrade’ as an open air performance, and who knew the story of co-operatives would be so attractive to midges!? Performed by just four actors the story of co-operatives is presented through sketches incorporating music, song, acting and humour.

Focusing on the local, familiar and fair values of the Co-operative movement the sketches demonstrate how co-operatives can be considered the foundations of the concept of fairtrade. The story of the ‘Rochdale Pioneers’ who fought against the practices undertaken by their competitors, including the placing of weights under the scale pan to sell less flour, oatmeal or sugar to the customer, bears resemblance to stories from fairtrade groups who buy scales with their Fairtrade Premium to ensure they are getting the price they deserve for the volume of produce they are selling.

Concluding with the introduction of Fairtrade into ‘Co-operative’ supermarkets, this entertaining show illustrates the parallels between the co-operative and fairtrade movements. Certainly a show worth watching if for nothing else than the opportunity to have a good sing along!

For details of their tour dates this summer take a look at Mikron’s website at www.mikron.org.uk

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