There was more to Viva’s recent sell-out production of Evita than met the audience’s ear.

As leading lady Becky Bush trod the boards as Argentina’s former first woman Eva Peron it was not her voice the packed crowds were enjoying.

Instead it was fellow actress Katie Shearman who was belting out the classic musical’s favourite numbers from behind the scenes.

As all thespians know the show must go on so when Becky was struck down with laryngitis at the final rehearsal action was needed.

Katie, a professional London-trained performer who has previously performed for composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, stepped in to provide Becky’s missing voice as she heroically mimed her performance.

Hetti Wood, project co-ordinator for Viva, said: “Becky became ill on Monday night, just before the first of six shows.

“The opening performance was on Tuesday night and cancelling the show was just not an option.

“Dan Schumann used his contacts from working in London and we managed to get Katie in for the week.

“Throughout the week, she sang while Becky mimed. We felt awful for Becky because we had been rehearsing for six months, but Katie was so lovely and really professional. She did such a good job.

“We had to put screens up as well so Katie could see what was happening on the stage.

“The whole cast, crew and band dealt with it very well. It all came together in the end.

“I think we have made a new Viva friend. We didn’t want her to leave in the end.

“I am sure that for the next thing she’s in we will all be jumping on the coach to see her.”