Ceiling collapse at Piccadilly Theatre caused by water leak, say investigators
9 November 2019, 17:35
The cause of the ceiling collapse at Piccadilly Theatre was caused by a water leak, an internal investigation has found.
The initial investigation concluded that a section of plasterboard fell away after a "localised water leak" above the ceiling of the theatre.
Audiences evacuated the theatre on Wednesday, just 20 minutes into a performance of Death of a Salesman, after the ceiling fell in on theatre-goers.
In a statement, Piccadilly Theatre apologised for the disruption the incidient caused and confirmed the theatre is likely to re-open on Monday evening.
A spokesperson for the theatre said: "We’re sorry that the incident that occurred on Wednesday night at the Piccadilly Theatre has caused concern and disappointment to a number theatre-goers.
"We want to thank our audiences, cast, staff, the emergency services, the theatre community and the authorities for their support following the incident.
"Our initial internal investigation has concluded that a section of plasterboard came away as a result of a localised water leak.
"We have been working very closely with Westminster City Council and we are confident that they will deem the theatre safe for use and grant permission to reopen to the public on Monday provided the affected area is covered and off-limits until repairs are completed."
Following a final inspection by the Council on Monday afternoon, the theatre hopes to reopen for performances in the evening.
