Rosamund Pike criticised a viewer for texting during a climactic scene in Inter Aliyah, the film for which she won an Olivier Award in April.
The play tells the story of Jessica Parkes, a Crown Court judge who seeks to change the legal system's approach to sexual violence and is forced to face her own son's rape accusation.
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The play "Inter Alia" was written by Australian playwright Susie Miller, who also created the one-woman show "Prima Facie" starring Jodie Comer.
According to the Guardian, after her Saturday performance of the musical "Inter Alia" at London's Wyndham Theatre, Pike returned to the stage after the final bows. "I just wanted to say to everyone coming to the theatre: this is a huge experience we're trying to give you. I'm trying to tell you a story, and I feel you, and I hope you feel me too," she told the audience.
«"Someone was texting on the phone in this part of the room," she said, pointing to a specific area. "You know who you are, and I'm not going to single anyone out.".
«"It may have been very important, and maybe you're a doctor and you're saving someone's life, and I hope that's the case, but we see it, we feel it. I'm with you. I feel like I should hug you all, so when I feel it and see it, it's hard for me.".
Pike's speech was met with applause, The Times newspaper reported.
One audience member assumed the actress was returning to the stage for a solo ovation, but instead saw her gesture for people to sit down and listen.
«"She suggested that seeing someone texting on the phone at the climax of this heartbreakingly emotional play had destroyed that connection," they said. "She seemed genuinely upset.".
More and more actors are criticizing the rules of conduct for audience members during theatrical performances. Last month, Lesley Manville stated on BBC Radio 4 that audience members should not take photos or videos during curtain calls. "Clap or don't clap, but don't just shove your phone in our faces," she said. "I find that offensive.".
In April, Cynthia Erivo interrupted her performance of Dracula after noticing an audience member filming the performance. Andrew Scott stopped his performance of Hamlet in 2024 during the "To Be or Not to Be" monologue when he noticed an audience member pulling out a laptop to send emails.
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