To snap or not to snap – that is the question: Lesley Manville has ignited an impassioned debate after criticising “insulting” theatregoers who take photos during curtain calls.
According to the Olivier Award-winning star, she believes phones should be kept in pockets until after the cast have given their bows to an applauding audience.
Manville, who currently stars in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre, urged people to “take the digital out of it for just a moment”, stating: “Come on, it’s theatre – let’s preserve it!”
“We are all in this room, we are telling you a story, you’re listening – clap or don’t clap, but don’t just stick your phone in our face,” she said on Radio 4.
The Phantom Thread actor, 70, said it stems from people “wanting to prove they’ve seen” a production, but wondered why they “can’t let it live in their souls for five minutes”.
Manville noted it was particularly an issue on Broadway, saying that “virtually the whole audience will take their phones out at the end of the evening”, and has now noticed it “starting to filter in” to the West End, where it “never used to happen”.
There are some productions – including Six, the comedy musical about the lives of Henry VIII’s wives – where photos, and even filming, during the curtain call are encouraged. Some musical theatre stars, including Legally Blonde’s Amber Davies, regularly reshare footage from audience members posted on Instagram.
However, the expected etiquette in plays can be different. Manville’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses notes at the beginning that photos are not permitted during the curtain call, which might lead audience members to believe it’s OK to take out their phones when there is no disclaimer ahead of the show.
Manville’s comments have ignited a debate, with many wading in to share their views on the subject. The actor isn’t alone in her opinion, with Hannah Waddingham writing in response to her comments: “HEAR HEAR Lesley Manville.”
However, many others supported the idea of taking photos during the curtain call, including former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, who suggested that an audience member’s photo may have more of a lasting impact for that person than the actors realise.
“I get her argument, but theatres nowadays is so expensive – if a family has travelled far and saved up every last bit of their money to come to the theatre to enjoy and this is their first or very last time, that one picture will make their absolute life!” she said.
“They get to keep that moment on their device for a lifetime. That photo could be the difference of keeping the dream alive for a little kid and having them simply forget.”
Mabuse added that, when she watched her first show, she took photos of lead star Beverley Knight – and it was having that photo that inspired her to pursue her dreams. “If I didn’t have her as my screensaver for a year, my life would have turned out differently!” she wrote. That was the year she became a dancer on Strictly.
Loose Women star Denise Welch said that taking photos “of a fabulous audience reaction is something you can share with friends, not just social media”, stating: “I’d love to see a standing ovation being celebrated for something I’d worked really hard for.”
Theatre performer Ali McGregor said she “disagrees strongly” with Manville’s view – especially as people posting about shows can help with promotion.
“I would never take a photo during the performance, but taking a photo of the curtain call is a respectful way to take a photo for socials. It doesn’t take away from me sitting in the moment, doesn’t bother the rest of the audience’s enjoyment. I find this an extraordinary thing to complain about.”
