Michael McIntyre walks off stage after woman in the front row uses her phone

The stand-up comedian asked security to 'sort it out' before returning

Michael McIntyre was performing a sold-out show (Getty Images)

It is a well-known fact that if you sit in the front row during a stand-up show you'd better be on your best behaviour – or prepare to face a ribbing.

However, one woman at Michael McIntyre’s performance instead decided to keep using her phone, causing the comedian to walk off stage.

An angry McIntyre asked security to “sort it out” and promised the audience at Darlington's Civic Theatre he would be back, before he left the stage.

According to the Northern Echo, staff spoke to the woman and some members of the audience chanted for her to be removed from the venue.

The comedian returned to the stage several minutes later and carried on his act, in which he previewed material for his 2015 tour.

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On Twitter, users expressed their reactions to the incident. Some praised McIntyre for refusing to put up with the woman’s behaviour.

However, others criticised him for his reaction.

McIntyre is just the latest performer to have a show brought to a halt by a phone.

Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey had to reprimand a member of the audience when their phone rang out during a one-man show at London's Old Vic in June.

He had to halt the legal drama Clarence Darrow to call out: “If you don't answer that, I will!” He received a round of applause.

Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig's unflappable reaction to a phone call spoiling their Broadway show A Steady Rain in 2009 became an internet sensation.

“Don't be embarrassed, just grab the phone,” Jackman urged at one point.

Additional reporting by Press Association