Cate Blanchett begs National Theatre audience to stop filming because it 'spoils it for the next group'

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026.

Cate Blanchett stepped forward during the interval of her National Theatre show 'Electra/Persona' on Friday to gesture at an audience member to stop recording, then repeated her plea during the curtain call. The two-time Oscar winner told the crowd there are 'few places on this planet where we can simply be together and be present', drawing cheers and applause from fellow theatregoers.

An eyewitness said the filming happened during a break between acts while cast were still on stage doing their makeup — not during the performance itself.

Blanchett's words were met with cheering and clapping, suggesting the audience was firmly on her side.

'Electra/Persona', written and directed by Benedict Andrews, combines Sophocles' tragedy with Ingmar Bergman's film and runs at the National Theatre until 10 October.