Q&A: Theatre safety in the West End

The Apollo's last ceiling inspection took place on 16 September 2013

After a partial collapse of the ceiling during a show at the Apollo theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in London, West End theatre owners have reassured audiences all venues have valid safety certificates.

What is required to get these certificates, and who is responsible for the safety inspections?

Q. Who is in charge of checking theatre safety?

Q. How often do councils check up on venues?

The Apollo Theatre was built in 1901

Q. What checks are made on plasterwork?

Q. So West End theatres have their ceilings checked every year?

Q. How are those checks carried out?

Q. What else has to be regularly checked?

Q. Will that guarantee a theatre is safe?

Compiled by BBC News arts and entertainment reporter Ian Youngs.