Don't cry for the cast of Evita – they were tough enough to stand up rigours of Territorial Army training!The part-time soldiers put the actors through their paces as they took part in drill sessions at the TA base in Yarmouth Road, Ipswich, to get them ready for their marching scenes.

Don't cry for the cast of Evita – they were tough enough to stand up rigours of Territorial Army training!

The part-time soldiers put the actors through their paces as they took part in drill sessions at the TA base in Yarmouth Road, Ipswich, to get them ready for their marching scenes.

The scene they were practising for sees Peron's army marching while they display their dislike of Evita - a woman they see as engrossed in her own self-importance.

They were given training in the proper way to march and also got to hold the guns used in drill actions.

Staff Sergeant Ralph Girling put the troops through their paces and Katy Pointer said the cast were really made to work hard.

"We may only be acting but this was for real. He put us to the test but it was really helpful and will hopefully make the scene more realistic," she said.

Evita, which is being backed by the Evening Star, opens at the Regent on April 16 and runs until April 20.

Tickets cost £10-£12. For more information call the box office on 01473 433100.