Counted? A documentary-play about British democracy
A Look Left Look Right and Roundhouse production
Devised and Directed by Steve Bottoms, Ben Freedman and Mimi Poskitt
Production Design Joanna Scotcher
Lighting Design Tim Mascall
A Look Left Look Right & Roundhouse Production
Funded by Arts Council England
Supported by Electorial Reform Society
Supported by Leeds University
The General Election 2010 and the nation can vote – but will it?
In a country where people are more likely to vote for X-Factor than for the next Prime Minister, Counted is a documentary-play that was performed right to Westminster’s doorstep, shedding light on why – in a world at war over democracy and in economic meltdown – so many people don’t vote.
In the 2010 election it was expected that the UK would see the lowest voter turnout in modern history. Look Left Look Right have spent a year investigating, and it seemed the problem isn’t political apathy. Quite the opposite.
Hear real people’s moving and humorous stories, word-for-word, in a verbatim play about what it means to feel counted.
Staged in the magnificent former Debating Chamber at County Hall – where the walls echo with political history and windows look across the river to the Houses of Parliament – Counted is a timely, entertaining insight into our forgotten day-to-day relationship with democracy.
Performed by
Molly Taylor
Balvinder Sophal
Donna Berlin
Peter Stickney
Simon Poland
Jamie Zubari
Opening in The Debating Chamber County Hall, London Performances 15 April-22 May before going on tour to West Yorkshire Playhouse Leeds, Bath Theatre Royal, The Roses Theatre Tewkesbury, The Nuffield Theatre Southampton and Plymouth Theatre Royal.
Educational Workshops
Do You Feel Counted? A weekend of performance and debate for 11-25 year olds
17-18 April
Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1
A weekend of events offering young people the chance to have their say. There’ll be a range of creative performances, workshops and debates – including a poetry event, band night, theatre performances and new writing events. 11-25 year olds are offered the chance to perform over the weekend and everyone can come along and be part of the action.
A dedicated Facebook app will stimulate online debate, particularly among young people, by encouraging discussions around hot political topics. Daily online polls will encourage ongoing interaction, as well as being a vehicle for people to have their say, express their views and not only be heard, but feel counted.
Roundhouse Radio
The radio station, run entirely by under 25s, will broadcast daily podcasts of vox pops with audiences throughout the run of Counted. They’ll also be hosting a debate during the Do You Feel Counted? weekend, chaired by Evan Davis.
