Rosamund Pike Calls Out Audience Member for Texting During Performance of Legal Drama ‘Inter Alia’

Rosamund Pike has called out a member of the audience for texting during the climatic scene of “Inter Alia,” for which the actress won an Olivier award in April.

The play follows Jessica Parks, a crown court judge dedicated to challenging the legal system’s approach to sexual violence, who is forced to contend with her own son being accused of rape.

“Inter Alia” was written by the Australian playwright Suzie Miller, who also wrote one-woman-play “Prima Facie,” starring Jodie Comer.

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After a performance of “Inter Alia” on Saturday at Wyndham’s theater in London, according to the Guardian, Pike returned to the stage after the final bows. “I just wanted to say for anyone going to the theater, 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 said to the audience.

“Somebody was texting in this part,” she said, indicating a section of the theater. “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.”

Pike received a round of applause for her speech, The Times reported.

It was assumed by one audience member the actor was returning to the stage for a solo ovation, only to watch her gesture for people to sit down and listen.

“She suggested that spotting someone texting in the climax of this devastatingly emotional play broke this bond,” they said, “She seemed genuinely upset.”

A growing number of actors have criticized audience etiquette during theater performances. Last month, Lesley Manville told BBC Radio 4 that audiences should not take photos and videos during curtain calls. “Clap or don’t clap, but don’t just stick up your phone in our faces,” she said. “I find it insulting.”

In April, Cynthia Erivo stopped her performance of “Dracula” after spotting an audience member filming the show. Andrew Scott halted a performance of “Hamlet” in 2024 during the “to be or not to be” soliloquy when he saw an audience member had taken out a laptop to send emails.