Lesley Manville, known for her role in The Crown, has sparked controversy with her recent remarks about theater audiences during a recent interview. The 70-year-old actress, currently appearing in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre alongside Aidan Turner, criticized the growing trend of audience members using their phones to take photos during curtain calls.

In a video posted on Instagram, Manville explained that she observed this behavior during her performance in Oedipus on Broadway and noticed it seeping into West End shows. She expressed frustration at the need for people to document every moment with a photo, urging audiences to savor the experience without digital distractions.

Manville emphasized the importance of preserving the essence of live theater by asking patrons to refrain from taking photos after performances. She shared her concerns about the increasing intrusion of technology into the traditional theater experience, calling for a return to fully immersing oneself in the storytelling without the distraction of phones.

While her comments received mixed reactions, with some fans labeling them as pretentious and out of touch, others supported her viewpoint. Theater actress and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham echoed Manville’s sentiments, advocating for a phone-free environment during live performances.

Manville’s stance has reignited the debate on audience behavior in theaters, highlighting the ongoing tension between technology and the authenticity of live theater experiences. The Mirror has reached out to Manville for further comment on the matter.