Is it OK to use your phone in the theatre? It’s a no from Rosamund Pike, now tell us what you think

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

Star of stage and screen Rosamund Pike gave the audience a dressing down during her performance of a play in London’s West End as one member chose to send a text during Pike’s show, but is it a crime against the craft if a theatre-goer touches their phone?

It was not the first time a prominent actor has called out audiences over device use in the theatre. In fact stars like Cynthia Erivo, Lesley Manville, Andrew Scott have all shared their dissatisfaction with audience members using phones during shows.

Is it really so bad to use your phone, Apple Watch or even a laptop during a play? Does the traditional theatre etiquette no longer apply? Are our contemporary lives changing the rules? Let us know in the comments.

Pike took to the stage after the performance on Saturday and addressed the audience about theatre etiquette during her performance of the play Inter Alia.

“I am trying to tell you a story, and I’m feeling you, and I hope you’re feeling me too,” Pike said, The Guardian reported.

“Somebody was texting in this part – you know who you are, and I’m not going to single you out,” she continued, gesturing to a portion of the audience.

“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.”

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