David Birrell Shot During Prop Misfire at the Donmar Warehouse

In a freaky stage accident, actor David Birrell was shot in the face during a performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion at the Donmar Warehouse in London on October 2. The actor sustained an eye injury during a duel scene gone wrong. Birrell, who plays Colonel Ricci in the musical, is recovering in the hospital and is reportedly in good spirits. Performances of Passion are canceled through October 6.

“David Birrell’s licensed replica stage gun misfired causing some debris to enter his eye,” a Donmar spokesperson said in a statement. Though the theater is uncertain of what caused the misfire, they are carrying out further investigations into the incident.

The actor is a stage vet who starred as Patsy in the West End’s Spamalot. He is also known for his many TV credits, including  Coronation Street and Midsomer Murders.