���˿���

An actor is recovering in hospital after being injured by a replica gun in a London stage production.

David Birrell, who was appearing in Passion at the Donmar Warehouse, suffered an eye injury after the weapon misfired during a duel scene.

Performances at the Covent Garden venue have been cancelled until Thursday and further investigations into the incident are being carried out.

Birrell, who completed his performance, is said to be in good spirits.

A Donmar spokesman said the eye injury was caused by debris from the licensed replica during Saturday's matinee show.

"In addition to investigating the matter, our priorities at this time are to David's well being and recovery," he said.

Theatre-goers who are unable to see performances of the musical on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be offered refunds, the spokesman added.

Birrell, who plays the role of Colonel Ricci in the Stephen Sondheim show, was a member of the original cast of Spamalot in the West End.

He has also appeared in small TV roles in Midsomer Murders and Heartbeat.

In April, actor Darrell D'Silva at the Royal Shakespeare Company was injured by a prop firearm during technical rehearsals of Antony and Cleopatra.

The production's press night was delayed by three weeks and was adapted to accommodate D'Silva's arm sling.