Judi Dench returns after injury

Dench plays a noblewoman in the work by Japanese playwright Yukio Mishima

Dame Judi Dench will return to the West End Stage later after recovering from an ankle injury.

The actress was forced to pull out of four performances of Madame de Sade after stumbling outside the Wyndham's theatre, London last week.

She was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a severely sprained ankle, which she was advised to keep her weight off.

Dame Judi will now have to use a stick to aid her walking during performances until her ankle has fully recovered.

A spokesperson for the Donmar Warehouse theatre company said this was a temporary measure to ensure the actress could return to the role as soon as possible.

"The company are working together to facilitate any changes this may mean to the onstage performances and technical aspects of the production," it said in a statement.

Dame Judi added: "I am thrilled to be returning to Madame de Sade, and would like to thank everyone for their support during this time.

"We are having enormous fun as a company, and I am looking forward to getting back to the role of Madame de Montreuil" she added.

The play, which stars Rosamund Pike in the title role, has received mixed reviews.