Harry Potter Mania Forces Richard Griffiths Out Theatre Window  2/27/07

Veteran actor Richard Griffiths was forced to escape from a London theatre through a side window on Saturday (24FEB07), after hundreds of fans desperate to get a glimpse of Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe had to be dispersed by police.

Radcliffe, 17, is making his nude stage debut in a revival of controversial play EQUUS, and at a weekend preview 450 fans surrounded the Gielgud theatre.

The teenager's portly co-star Griffith and actress Jenny Agutter were both forced to exit the venue by any means possible.

The play's producer David Pugh says, "Richard and Jenny had to get out through the side window by the box office on Rupert Street.

"You try to get Richard Griffiths out of a back window. I was a bit touch and go."