Gillian Anderson clarifies her remarks about theater audiences
5 october 2026 в 04:02
Gillian Anderson clarified her recent comments about audience members sitting in the front row during her performances in the West End production of «Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?». In a statement published on October 4 on X, she noted that the viral discussion was about her interactions with long-time acquaintances and urged against making negative comments about them.
After one of the performances, Anderson was seen telling some audience members that sitting in the front row could be too «distracting». She added that in an intimate space like the theater, actors can see the audience, and this can sometimes be distracting. «We're glad to be doing this show, but for people in the front row, please be mindful, sometimes it can be a little distracting! That’s all», - she said.
Currently, Anderson is playing the role of Martha in the revival of Edward Albee’s «Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?», directed by Marianne Elliott at Soho Place in London. In an interview with What’s On Stage, she shared that participating in this project was «definitely on her wish list».
Anderson is paired with Bill Crudup, who plays George. Crudup, for his part, noted that while he hadn’t thought of the role of George as something he necessarily had to play, he immediately agreed when Marianne offered him the part. Anderson described Crudup as a «phenomenal» scene partner, noting that their professionalism and pursuit of excellence blend well in the production.
After one of the performances, Anderson was seen telling some audience members that sitting in the front row could be too «distracting». She added that in an intimate space like the theater, actors can see the audience, and this can sometimes be distracting. «We're glad to be doing this show, but for people in the front row, please be mindful, sometimes it can be a little distracting! That’s all», - she said.
Currently, Anderson is playing the role of Martha in the revival of Edward Albee’s «Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?», directed by Marianne Elliott at Soho Place in London. In an interview with What’s On Stage, she shared that participating in this project was «definitely on her wish list».
Anderson is paired with Bill Crudup, who plays George. Crudup, for his part, noted that while he hadn’t thought of the role of George as something he necessarily had to play, he immediately agreed when Marianne offered him the part. Anderson described Crudup as a «phenomenal» scene partner, noting that their professionalism and pursuit of excellence blend well in the production.
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
