Renowned as the ‘First Lady of the West End,’ Kerry Ellis shares her perspective on the ongoing discussion surrounding the use of phones in theaters, sparked by former Love Island star Amber Davies. Recently, Davies, currently starring as Ella Woods in the touring production of Legally Blonde, disclosed that she had requested the removal of an audience member in Dublin who was filming the performance.

This incident has revived the age-old debate, prompting theater icon Kelly Ellis, known for her portrayal of Elpheba in Wicked on both the West End and Broadway, to express her views on the matter. Ellis emphasized the importance of disconnecting from phones and living in the present moment, highlighting the broader societal implications of excessive phone use.

While admitting she has not faced a situation like Davies, Ellis acknowledged the challenges of storytelling and connection in the presence of distracting phones. Davies, through an Instagram video addressing the incident, urged people not to film during theater performances, garnering support from fans for her actions in maintaining the integrity of the show.

Notably, Davies is not alone in confronting audience members for phone usage during performances. A-list actress Rosamund Pike halted her performance in the West End to call out an audience member texting during a crucial scene, emphasizing the significance of respecting the theatrical experience.

Reflecting on the issue, Ellis emphasized the essence of immersive storytelling and human connection in live theater, underscoring the need for audiences to engage without distractions. The incidents involving Davies and Pike shed light on the persistent challenge of addressing phone use in theaters and upholding the sanctity of live performances.