A moment of distraction during a West End performance has sparked a wider conversation about theatre etiquette after actress Rosamund Pike publicly called out an audience member for texting during the climax of her play.
At the Wyndham's Theatre in London's West End, British actress Rosamund Pike, 47, plays a Crown Court judge in Suzie Miller's playInter Alia.
However, once the curtain fell, Pike returned to the stage to address an audience member who was texting during the finale. She claimed the audience member 'broke the bond' between the cast and the audience.
She continued by saying it was 'hard' for actors to continue their performance after noticing an audience member not paying attention.
Pike plays Jessica Park, a mother who is put to the test when her teenage son is accused of rape. Her performance runs for 100 minutes without an interval.
One audience member who spoke toThe Timessaid, 'She suggested that someone texting in the climax of this devastatingly emotional play broke this bond. She seemed genuinely upset.'
According toLondon Theatre's guide to theatre etiquette,it is extremely important to follow general guidelines to ensure all audience members have a pleasant experience.
These guidelines include not speaking during the show, no smoking, no phone use, and no photos or videos, to name a few of the most important rules.
Many London theatres allow patrons to bring their own food and drink into the theatre, but it is advisable to avoid strong-smelling foods and snacks that come in noisy packaging, such as crisp packets and sweet wrappers.
Many theatres also sell light refreshments, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages before the performance begins and during the interval. There is no limit to how many refreshments audience members can purchase at the theatre.
Source: International Business Times UK
