WHEN HARRY MET SALLY BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN
17 MAY 2004

The West End version of WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, starring BUFFY's Alyson Hannigan, has met with some negative reviews, but it still managed to bring the house down on Saturday night. Literally, in fact.

Thirteen people were injured when ceiling plaster fell into the auditorium during a sell-out performance at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket.

Aly's co-star Luke Perry leapt off stage and into the auditorium to help the audience evacuate the theater.

One woman remains at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, where a spokeswoman said she was "recovering".

Tonight and tomorrow's shows were both cancelled, but the theatre will reopen on Wedneday. A spokesman added that "all future performances are expected to take place as scheduled."

Theatre chairman Arnold M. Crook said he was "extremely concerned" by the accident. Show producer James Tod said: "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."

The Health and Safety Executive said that the theatre's chandelier had not fallen 4ft while being held to a safety rope, as was originally thought to be the case.