Cate Blanchett made a direct appeal to the audience at the National Theatre, asking theatre-goers not to film during the production of Electra/Persona. The actress emphasised the importance of being present for live theatre rather than recording it on phones.

Following the curtain call of Electra/Persona at the National Theatre, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett addressed the audience from the stage. She asked patrons to refrain from filming the show, explaining that it diminishes the experience for future viewers.

Blanchett said: “There are few places on this planet where we can simply be together and be present… for anyone who is filming the show, please don’t, because it spoils it for the next group of people who come in and are present with us.”

The production is a radical adaptation combining Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Electra with Ingmar Bergman’s film Persona, starring Blanchett alongside Nina Hoss. This staging marks Blanchett’s return to the London stage.

Her comments come amid ongoing debates within the theatre community about mobile phone use and audience etiquette during live performances. The National Theatre itself has committed to some form of digital release for all of its productions.

A video of Blanchett’s curtain call speech has circulated on social media, highlighting the growing tensions over filming in theatres. The appeal underscores the wider challenge of balancing audience engagement with preserving the live theatrical experience.