The Vote

"The Vote" aired on 7 May 2015, coinciding precisely with the real-time final 90 minutes before the polls closed in the UK general election. Created by Richard Bean and Mark Gatiss, and featuring performances by Mark Gatiss as Steven Crosswell and Catherine Tate as Kirsty Henderson, the play was uniquely staged simultaneously in theatres and broadcast on television. The initial reception was very positive, with praise directed toward its innovative format, timely subject matter, and compelling performances that captured the tension of election night in a local polling station.

Over time, "The Vote" has maintained a modest but dedicated following. While not widely known to the general public, it is regarded by many as an underrated gem for its clever real-time storytelling and political relevance. It is appreciated in theatre and TV circles for its experimental approach and has been studied as a notable example of live television drama intersecting with theatre. Despite its niche appeal, it hasn’t become a widespread cult classic but is respected as a quality piece that captures a unique political moment.

Main Cast of The Vote

Fans of Mark Gatiss will appreciate his role in the movie 'The Vote' as it showcases his signature blend of sharp wit and nuanced character work, much like his iconic portrayal of Mycroft Holmes in the 'Sherlock' TV series. While Mycroft is often seen as the highly intellectual and somewhat enigmatic brother, his character in 'The Vote' brings a more grounded and relatable energy, allowing fans to see a different facet of his acting skills. An interesting detail about his role in 'The Vote' is that Gatiss actually collaborated on the screenplay, adding an insider's touch to the character's dialogue and development, making it a unique experience compared to his other roles.

Catherine Tate played a significant role in the movie "The Vote," bringing her trademark comedic timing and sharp wit to the film's political satire. Her performance was widely praised for its blend of humor and depth, standing out as a highlight that brought humanity and relatability to the political drama. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to balance both the absurdity and seriousness of the storyline, engaging audiences with her dynamic character. A lesser-known fact is that Tate improvised several of her lines during filming, which the director decided to keep in the final cut, enhancing the authenticity and spontaneity of her performance.

Fans of Nina Sosanya will appreciate her role in the movie 'The Vote' as it showcases her remarkable range and nuanced performance in a politically charged drama, diverging from her most iconic role as the charismatic and witty Kat in the TV series 'Last Tango in Halifax.' Unlike Kat's personal and relational complexities, her character in 'The Vote' navigates the intense pressures and moral dilemmas of election night, offering a compelling portrait of integrity and determination. An interesting detail about this casting is that 'The Vote' was uniquely filmed in real-time on the actual night of the UK general election, adding an authentic immediacy that deeply immerses both the actors and viewers in the unfolding democratic process.

Fans of Judi Dench will appreciate her role in 'The Vote' as it showcases her remarkable ability to portray strong, nuanced characters with depth and gravitas, much like her iconic performance as M in the James Bond series. While M is authoritative and commanding, her character in 'The Vote' offers a more intimate, humanizing portrayal that delves into the complexities of political engagement and moral dilemmas. An interesting detail about her casting is that 'The Vote' was uniquely broadcast live on election night in the UK, adding an unprecedented immediacy and relevance to her performance, which kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Timothy West delivers a compelling performance as Fred Norris in 'The Vote,' portraying the character with a nuanced blend of gravitas and understated emotion. This role showcases West's ability to embody authoritative figures with depth, reminiscent of his performances in television dramas like 'Edward & Mrs. Simpson,' where he also played complex characters navigating intricate social dynamics. Unlike some of his more overtly dramatic roles, Fred Norris allows West to exhibit subtlety and restraint, enhancing the film's tension. A trivia fact: Timothy West has a long-standing collaboration with his wife, actress Prunella Scales, and both appeared in various productions together, underscoring his versatile talents across stage and screen.

Crew of The Vote