Young Vic to stage scratch performances of Death of a Salesman following Piccadilly Theatre incident

The Young Yic is to hold three rehearsal-style scratch performances of Death of a Salesman for audiences whose performances of the play have been cancelled following the collapse of a ceiling at the Piccadilly Theatre on Wednesday.

Having opened at the Young Yic earlier this year, Marianne Elliott's production of the Arthur Miller play transferred to the Piccadilly Theatre, and opened in the West End on Monday. The theatre was evacuated mid-performance on Wednesday, when a section of the ceiling collapsed in the upper circle, causing minor injuries to five people.

Ambassadors Theatre Group (ATG), which owns the theatre, announced Thursday night's performance would be cancelled, before then cancelling Friday and Saturday's shows.

Last night, the Young Yic issued a statement that the production would return to the theatre for three rehearsal-style performance, with stripped back set and costumes, for those affected by the cancellations. These would be free of charge, and customers are still entitled to a refund or can be booked into an alternative performance.

Actor Wendell Pierce, who stars as Willy Loman in the play, said in a statement: "First, I hope those injured last night in the incident are recovered and healing. Their well-being is the most important thing.

"I am also so grateful that the Death of a Salesman company is able to continue performances of Arthur Miller's great play. The nightly audience response has been overwhelming, and I would like to thank the Young Vic for enabling us to continue on this special journey.

"In the time-honoured tradition of the theatre, the show must go on"

Given the relative size of the Young Vic compared to the Piccadilly (the main house at the Young Vic houses around 400 people whereas the Piccadilly holds 1,200), the three special performances have now sold out. Customers who had booked tickets for the affected performances have been contacted.

ATG is yet to advise on whether any further performances of Death of a Salesman will be affected.