Fylde coast riggers aid MP memorial show

Knight Rigging Services stepped in to help a newly formed theatre company put on a performance of Les Miserables in tribute to Jo Cox who was killed in her constituency of Batley and Spen last summer.

Sven Knight, owner of the Poulton-based stage and rigging business, used his extensive contacts list in the entertainment industry to help convert a former Oxfam warehouse in Batley to cope with the demands of a West End performance, complete with a 14-piece orchestra, lighting and sound for the sell-out shows this week.

Riggers from KRS set the stage for Les Mis and have also provided behind the scenes support after being contacted by a trustee from Batley and Spen Youth Theatre Company.

Directed by Nick Evans, who’s CV includes productions of Billy Elliot and Jesus Christ Superstar, the cast included more than 80 young people who were given a three-week intensive course on Les Mis before the opening night at the Jo Cox Theatre. Mrs Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire last year, was a fan of musical theatre and counted Les Mis as her favourite West End show.

Sven said: “We were delighted to be approached to help support this production, it is such a worthy cause for a place which is still coming to terms with losing such a well-respected member of the community.

“Everyone in the area was affected by Jo’s death and her prime objective was to bring people together. I hope, in some way, we have helped remembering such a great woman.

“KRS is used to dealing with the pressures of putting on huge shows so when we were approached it was a no-brainer. Being able to use my connections in the industry has also helped with the smoother running of putting this production together.”

KRS have also been supplying rigging support for the likes of global mega-stars Ed Sheeran, Adele and The Stone Roses at Wembley Stadium.