Ceiling plasterwork at London’s Theatre Royal, Haymarket, broke free and fell onto audience members during last Saturday night’s production of When Harry Met Sally – starring Luke Perry and Alyson Hannigan – injuring 11 people, none seriously.

Approximately 900 audience members were evacuated, using normal theatre procedures, while Luke Perry jumped off-stage into the auditorium to personally help with the evacuation.

The theatre remains closed today while the Health & Safety Executive investigates the cause of ceiling collapse.

Performances are due to resume on 19 May and all future performances are expected to take place as scheduled, according to the theatre’s management.

Ticket holders for affected performances will be offered a refund or seats for another performance, subject to availability.

Speaking about the incident, chair, Arnold M. Crook, said: “We are, of course, extremely concerned by what happened and we extend our sympathies to all audience members affected.

“Our experts are currently investigating the cause of the incident and in the meantime, we took the decision to cancel the performances on 17-18 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.” Details: www.trh.co.uk