Rosamund Pike called out an audience member for texting during an emotional moment from her performance in West End play Inter Alia on Saturday, saying: “When I feel that and see it, it's hard.”

The actor and producer returned to the stage at the end of the play at Wyndham's Theatre to politely remind people of theatre etiquette.

Pike said she hoped the guilty texter was a doctor and that their message had been "very important", during an impromptu speech which drew gasps and then cheers.

"I just wanted to say for anyone going to the theatre, it's a huge thing that we're trying to give you. I am trying to tell you a story, and I'm feeling you, and I hope you're feeling me too," said the Saltburn and Gone Girl star.

Earlier this year, the actress won the Olivier Award for best actress for her role as Jessica Parks, a London Crown Court judge balancing work and family life.

The play, written by Olivier Award-winning writer Suzie Miller, focuses on sexual assault and the injustices of the legal system.

Pike - who also asked the audience not to film her speech - addressed a certain broad section of the stalls which had distracted her during a crucial scene.

"You know who you are and I'm not going to single you out," she said.

"Maybe it was very important, and maybe you're a doctor, and you're saving someone's life, and I hope you are, but we do see these, we do feel them.

“I've got you, I feel like I've got to hold you all, so when I feel that and see it, it's hard.”