Cate Blanchett asks audience to stop filming London play

Actress Cate Blanchett asked audience members at London's National Theatre to stop filming her performance, stating that the practice "spoils it for the next group of people." The two-time Oscar winner made the request during the curtain call on Friday, September 19, 2026, following a performance of the world premiere play ElectraPersona. In a video of the address shared on social media, Blanchett, still in her stage costume, told the audience, "There are few places on this planet where we can simply be together and be present. I understand you like filming the curtain call and it is kind of flattering in a way but 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. So thank you very much." Her remarks were met with applause and cheers. ElectraPersona, written and directed by Benedict Andrews, is running at the Lyttelton Theatre until October 10. The production fuses Sophocles' tragedy Electra with Ingmar Bergman's 1966 film Persona. Blanchett stars alongside Nina Hoss, with the actresses sharing the roles of Electra/Elisabeth and Clytemnestra/Alma.