A Shakespearian actor died falling out of a taxi just hours after appearing on stage alongside Kevin Spacey, an inquest heard.

Dean Julian, 45, of Panmuir Road, Raynes Park collapsed and struck his head on the pavement outside Coombe Radio Cars, West Barnes Lane in the early hours of December 9, last year.

He had starred in Inherit the Wind at the Old Vic that evening.

His death shocked fellow cast members and prompted Spacey to dedicate the remainder of the run to the classically-trained actor.

Fellow actor and friend Alan Brent said: “Without doubt he has got to have been the most easy going, hard-working and friendliest person anyone who knew him would attest, and if you had the privilege to work with him you would agree I'm certain.

“His passing will leave a hole in my world as I'm sure it will in many others. I will always remember my best mate in this business.”

Westminster Coroner’s court was told last Friday told how Mr Julian had more than three time the legal driving limit of alcohol in his blood - likely to have contributed to his fall.

After appearing on stage on the evening of his death, he went to Old Wimbledonians Rugby club where he worked as a part-time barman. His housemate and bar manager Gilly Markwell said he looked ill and extremely pale.

But recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Dr Anthony Barton, said: “ There may be some suspicion that there may have been a medical condition precipitating the fall. But the striking fact is that a high level of alcohol was found in his blood.”

Mr Julian was a former coal miner and qualified chef before training at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and beginning his professional acting career in 2001.

He had recently toured with both the Northern and Young Shakespeare companies and regularly performed with the Principal Theatre Company.