Approximately 750 people were evacuated from the building and 13 members of the audience were treated for cuts, bruises and shock on site before being taken to University College and St Thomas' Hospitals. One woman is apparently still in hospital having suffered facial injuries - all the others have been discharged. Emergency services had been called around 10pm and fire crews spent over an hour at the sight checking that the ceiling was secure.
In 1994 1.3 million pounds was invested in a major refurbishment of the Theatre Royal, which included an overhaul and reinforcement of the stage roof trusses, originally installed in 1821, and art restoration to Joseph Harker's ceiling, plus the cleaning of the 2,000 lead crystals in the central chandelier.
In a statement on its website the management of the Theatre Royal said:
The management of the Theatre Royal, Haymarket confirmed today that some decorative auditorium plaster work fell from the ceiling towards the end of yesterday evening's performance of When Harry Met Sally. The theatre, which was full at the time, was evacuated promptly using normal procedures. It was confirmed that co-star Luke Perry jumped into the auditorium and personally helped with the evacuation process. No serious injuries have been reported.
Commenting on the incident, chairman, Arnold M Crook said: "We are of course extremely concerned by what happened last night and we extend our sympathy to all audience members affected. Our experts are at the moment investigating the cause of the incident and in the meantime we have taken the decision to cancel performances on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th May."
The producer of When Harry Met Sally, James Tod, added: "One of the reasons I chose the Theatre Royal for this production was for the renowned beauty of the auditorium which I know to be relentlessly maintained. I will be doing my best to follow up on the progress of those audience members affected by what happened. In the meantime I have full confidence in the management of the Theatre Royal Haymarket."
Inspectors from the Health and Safety executive have visited the theatre to investigate the accident and said that the chandelier had not fallen four feet whilst being held by a safety rope as had previously been reported. A spokesman said: "Nothing happened to the chandelier. It looked as though it had dropped but it hadn't."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
