By Kim Pilling, PA News
Fifteen theatre-goers have been injured after a ceiling partly collapsed and a chandelier fell down during a show in London’s West End, police said today.
Plaster started to fall at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, just after 10pm last night which prompted parts of the audience to run for safety.
The chandelier fell 4ft from the ceiling and was held in place by its safety rope, but it led to the dislodging of part of the ceiling which fell into the auditorium’s dress circle and stalls.
The theatre is currently showing When Harry Met Sally starring US actors Luke Perry and Alyson Hannigan.
Perry, is said to have leapt off the stage to help people to safety, while the crowd of 750 were evacuated.
It is not thought that anyone was seriously injured, with most treated in hospital for cuts, bruising and shock.
Former Beverley Hills 90210 star Perry and Buffy The Vampire Slayer actress Hannigan have been performing a stage version of the 1980s classic film starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.
A £1.3 million refurbishment of the 18th century central London theatre was completed in 1994 which included art restoration to the ceiling and improvements to the central chandelier.