Local thespians were invited to share in the limelight when a hit London West End show was staged at a Manchester theatre.

The Jewish Theatre Company was approached by The Really Useful Company to provide supernumery actors for the crowd scenes for its production of Evita at the Lowry.

After rehearsals, six JTC actors appeared on stage and rubbed shoulders with the professional cast.

Howard Yaffe, publicity manager of the JTC, said: "We thought we would be asked just to do the walk-on walk-off crowd scenes, but were pleasantly suprised to be involved with two of the main numbers.

"It gave us a real taste of what it takes to put on a show of this nature and a close-up view of all the backstage logistics. A wonderful experience for all involved."

The JTC provided the same service for Whistle Down the Wind at the Palace Theatre earlier this year.