Performances of Passion at the Donmar Warehouse have been cancelled until Thursday evening after actor David Birrell sustained an injury during Saturday’s matinee show.
Birrell, who plays Colonel Ricci in the production, is currently in hospital where he is being treated for an eye injury. The accident is thought to have been caused by a faulty prop gun used during an onstage brawl.
The Donmar Warehouse have released the following statement: “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. We are cancelling the show Monday to Wednesday and then hope to resume performances from Thursday. We will of course refund patrons who are unable to see the production.”
Stephen Sondheim’s Passion opened at the Donmar Warehouse on 21 September and runs until 27 November. The musical tells the story of Captain Giorgio Bachetti (David Thaxton) who is transferred to a strange and remote Italian outpost. Far away from his beloved Clara (Scarlett Strallen), he encounters Fosca (Elena Roger), the cousin of his commanding officer, with shattering and inconceivable consequences.
CM