Cate Blanchett Asks London Audience To Stop Filming Play, Says Stage Is Place "Where We Can Simply Be Together And Be Present"
News Source
β’Sat, 19 Sep 2026 18:41:42 +0000
π° What Happened
Cate Blanchett asked an audience at a London theatre to stop filming the show. She spoke after the curtain call at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre. A video of her words spread quickly online.
She said the stage is one of the few places where people can simply be together. She said filming the curtain call is flattering, but it spoils the show for the next audience. The crowd cheered her.
π The Backstory
Blanchett is starring in a play called Electra/Persona. It mixes an ancient Greek tragedy with a modern Swedish story. She shares the lead roles with Nina Hoss. A coin toss decides which actor plays which part each night.
The play runs until 10 October. The National Theatre says the show explores identity and the line between who we are and who we play.
π― Why It Matters
Phones at live shows pull people out of the moment. Blanchett's words ask audiences to be present and respect other viewers.
Cate Blanchett asked an audience at a London theatre to stop filming the show. She spoke after the curtain call at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre. A video of her words spread quickly online.
She said the stage is one of the few places where people can simply be together. She said filming the curtain call is flattering, but it spoils the show for the next audience. The crowd cheered her.
Blanchett is starring in a play called Electra/Persona. It mixes an ancient Greek tragedy with a modern Swedish story. She shares the lead roles with Nina Hoss. A coin toss decides which actor plays which part each night.
The play runs until 10 October. The National Theatre says the show explores identity and the line between who we are and who we play.
Phones at live shows pull people out of the moment. Blanchett's words ask audiences to be present and respect other viewers.