Rosamund Pike confronted an audience member during a performance of Inter Alia at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End on Saturday.
The actor, 47, who won an Olivier award for her role as a crown court judge in the show, blasted an audience member for texting during the climax of the play.
During the curtain call, Pike pointed out how unacceptable it is for audiences to use their phones, especially during pivotal moments.
In a video of the address, obtained by the Mail Online, Pike said: “Someone was texting, you know who you are.
“But we do see things - we do feel them and so when I feel that and see it, it’s hard.”
She explained: “I’m trying to tell you a story and I’m feeling you and I hope you’re feeling me too.”
A member of the audience said after the performance that Pike seemed “genuinely upset”, the Times reported.
Pike motioned towards the area of the stalls, but did not single out the guilty audience member. She joked that she hoped the audience member was a doctor saving someone’s life.
The actor’s address was given a round of applause and was also praised across social media.
On X, one theatregoer said: “It was an amazing show, but huge props to Rosamund Pike for calling out someone for texting.”
Just got out of seeing Inter Alia in London.
— Neddy (@NeddyOrNot) May 30, 2026
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…
Another user said: “Good morning to Rosamund Pike and Rosamund Pike only…stop going to the theatre if you cannot put your phone away out of sight for two hours. It’s selfish, rude and disrespectful.”
Another branded those that use their phones as “selfish idiots”.
Pike is not the first thespian to criticise audience behaviour in British theatres.
Just weeks ago, Cynthia Erivo brought her performance of Dracula to a standstill after noticing an audience member filming on a mobile phone.
Dame Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, Daniel Craig, and Patti LuPone have also pleaded with audiences to follow theatre etiquette.
Good morning to Rosamund Pike and Rosamund Pike only… stop going to the theatre if you cannot put your phone away out of sight for two hours. It’s selfish, rude and disrespectful.
— Niall James (@NiallJames8787) June 1, 2026
Dame Imelda complained of loud eating during her performance of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, while Benedict Cumberbatch also came forward to beg audiences not to film.
Inter Alia, written by Suzie Miller, has received rave reviews since its opening in July last year.
Pike plays Jessica Parks, a judge challenging the legal system over its handling of sexual violence and rape cases, while her own son is accused of rape.
