ALMOST 80 people were injured, seven seriously, after a theatre ceiling collapsed on them in London's West End.

Eyewitnesses described ''chaos and panic'' last night as parts of the Apollo theatre ''began to crumble down'' around them.

Masonry and ornate plaster from the Grade II listed theatre plummeted on to the stalls below, dragging a section of the balcony with it, striking members of the packed audience and filling the theatre with clouds of thick dust.

More than 700 people were inside the Shaftesbury Avenue venue - which was 45 minutes into the National Theatre's performance of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time - when members of the audience started screaming as it appeared parts of the ceiling caved in.

*Were you at the Apollo theatre last night? You can share your story by calling the newsdesk on 01256 337444.