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Rosamund Pike told off an audience member for texting during her emotional performance in Inter Alia, saying she hoped it was “very important”.
The actor, who plays a court judge in the show, returned to the stage at the end of the production at Wyndham’s Theatre in London on Saturday to give a lecture on theatre etiquette.
Her speech came as a surprise but elicited cheers from the audience as she told them how the incident was upsetting.
“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,” she told the crowd.
Ms Pike won the Olivier Award for Best Actress this year (Getty)
The audience member had been texting during one of the more emotional and important scenes in Suzie Miller’s play.
“Somebody was texting in this part,” she said, directing to a section of the audience. “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.”
Talent agency PTC management wrote on Instagram: “We absolutely stand behind every word said here at the bows, calling out an audience member texting in what must be the most emotional scene for the actors to portray!”
The play, which was given four stars by The Independent, focuses on sexual assault and the injustices of the legal system.
Ms Pike’s performance as Jessica Parks, a London Crown Court judge, won her the 2026 Olivier Award for Best Actress.
Lesley Manville has also called out bad theatre etiquette (Getty)
One audience member, under the username Neddy, wrote on X: “It was an amazing show, but huge props to Rosamund Pike for calling out someone for texting.
“She took time during the curtain call to point out how unacceptable it is, especially during a pivotal scene. The actors are giving a live performance right in front of you. Put your phone away for a couple of hours.”
Another wrote: “Rosamund Pike calling out an audience member in the stalls section who texted during a very important/intense moment during curtain call was quite cool.”
Ms Pike is not the first to call out poor theatre etiquette, following actors including Daniel Craig, Patti LuPone, and Hugh Jackman.
Last month, Lesley Manville criticised “insulting” theatregoers who take photos during curtain calls.
The Phantom Thread actor, 70, said people should “take the digital out of it for just a moment”, adding: “Come on, it’s theatre – let’s preserve it!”
“We are all in this room, we are telling you a story, you’re listening – clap or don’t clap, but don’t just stick your phone in our face. I find it insulting,” she said on Radio 4.