The Candidate
  • London Fringe

Behind closed doors is an opportunity to change the game. Your candidate needs you to participate in a unique polling session, helping to shape his ideals, policy and image. He can be whatever you want him to be, make the promises you need him to make, and carefully adjust how he looks to suit your taste.

Perception is at the forefront of politics, and the digital age leaves no stone unturned in the quest to satisfy our hunger for information - not only as commentary on current affairs, but also as a leisure activity, shaping our perspective, exposing us to selective aspects of politics and mutating public figures into mass entertainment. The Candidate explores the complex relationship between the public and its prospective leaders. Delving into the draw to power, The Candidate traces the journey of a prospective leader as a pawn in his own game using the public as co-conspirators; but at its core is the key question - who is playing whom?

With over 75 outcomes, and using integrated polling technology, The Lab Collective offers a unique theatrical experience. You matter, your voice matters, and together we can engineer the future.

"The Collective has become a master of playing with its audience, adapting characters so to have maximum impact on their spectators (...) The Collective is not just putting on a performance, it is drawing on the audience, removing the spectator/actor barrier and talking with people about issues that matter. It sounds horribly refreshing and what theatre desperately needs." (A Younger Theatre)

The Lab Collective create performance to engage, challenge and thrill our audiences. The work they make is intended to heighten the audience's experience by breaking the barrier between the performer and spectator, whether this be an intimate one on one experience, or a larger scale performance. Much of our work is socially and politically engaged and asks questions about issues which impact us all, giving a voice to unheard stories - told not only by the performers - but by the audience themselves.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

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