Rosamund Pike lambasts audience member using phone during show

Rosamund Pike addressed an audience member who had been using their phone during a performance of Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre, speaking about theatre etiquette during the curtain call.

Olivier Award winner Pike, who stars as Crown Court judge Jessica Parks in Suzie Miller’s play, returned to the stage at the end of a recent performance to discuss the incident, which had occurred during one of the production’s key scenes.

Addressing the audience, she said: “I just wanted to say for anyone going to the theatre, it’s a huge thing that we’re trying to give you. I am trying to tell you a story, and I’m feeling you, and I hope you’re feeling me too.”

Gesturing to a part of the auditorium, Pike continued: “Somebody was texting in this part. You know who you are and I’m not going to single you out. Maybe it was very important, and maybe you’re a doctor, and you’re saving someone’s life, and I hope you are, but we do see these, we do feel them. I’ve got you, I feel like I’ve got to hold you all, so when I feel that and see it, it’s hard.”

The comments were met with applause from the audience. Posts shared on social media praised Pike for raising the issue and highlighted the impact that phone use can have on performers during a live production.

Pike joins a number of stage performers who have spoken publicly about audience behaviour in theatres. Last month, Lesley Manville criticised audience members who take photographs during curtain calls, while Cynthia Erivo halted a performance when spotting an audience member filming her in Dracula. 

Inter Alia is next due to transfer to Broadway.