[Scarlett.]

Stephen Sondheim’s Passion was immediately cancelled after the incident which occurred during a matinee performance on Saturday.

Actor David Birrell, 35, who plays Colonel Ricci in the musical, was rushed from the Donmar Warehouse theatre to hospital with a serious eye injury.

He was taking part in a scene in which his character challenged another to a duel.

But it is understood that there was a fault with the gun used on stage, which was meant to fire blanks.

Audience members were not necessarily aware of what had happened as Mr Birrell’s character was shot by another character in the scene.

London Ambulance Service was called to the scene at 4.15pm and confirmed they had attended a 35-year-old man who was then taken to University College Hospital.

Eyewitnesses said they saw the actor being carried to an ambulance “looking shaken” and with his right eye bandaged following the show.

Audience members were told that Saturday’s performance was cancelled but no reasons were given.

The Donmar does not carry understudies so there was no cover available.

Theatre staff are investigating the incident in a bid to determine what happened.

But online blogs and Twitter were last night abuzz with news of the accident.

Simon Bailey, the actor who plays Lieutenant Torasso in Passion, tweeted: “Thank you all, we had an incident this eve, I won’t divulge, but keep good thoughts for my friend please fellow twits xx”

Another Tweeter, WestEndWhingers, wrote: “Did they both reach for the gun? Passion cancelled due to firearms accident apparently. Hope actor's OK.”

One user of Musical Theatre News blogspot said: “It seems there was a problem with a gun.”

A Donmar spokesman confirmed the actor had suffered an eye injury but said they were still looking into what happened.

He said: “During the matinee performance of Passion on Saturday David Birrell sustained an injury to his eye for which he is currently being treated in hospital.

“Our priorities are to David’s well being and recovery; and to theatregoers who have purchased tickets for performances in the coming days.”

The spokesman confirmed that all performances were cancelled until Wednesday and that patrons would be refunded.

It is hoped the musical will resume on Thursday although it was unclear whether Mr Birrell would be taking part.

Mr Birrell is stage veteran and starred in Monty Python’s Spamalot. He has also had roles in TV shows including Coronation Street, Midsomer Murders, Heartbeat and The Bill.

Telegraph

[Smithy]

As if you even have a gun that fires blanks, they shoulda just used a replica

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Smithy

As if you even have a gun that fires blanks, they shoulda just used a replica

It reminds me of an episode of Midsomer Murders where someone swapped blanks for real bullets LOL

[Kerry]

Flippin' 'eck

[MTVN]

Originally Posted by Smithy

As if you even have a gun that fires blanks, they shoulda just used a replica

Exactly, it's the West End for God's sake.

[BB_Eye]

Serves him right for working in musical theatre.

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by BB_Eye

Serves him right for working in musical theatre.

I actually lol'd when I read that