TWO talented youngsters are to join 100 others from across the North West as part of Manchester Youth Theatre's 2002 summer season.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupils Graeme Bramwell and Natasha Finch are both from Langho and will take part in performances of Arabian Nights at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre.

Natasha, 15, is an accomplished piano player and former winner of the North-West Yamaha Clavinova competition.

Graeme, also 15, has been a member of Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society for three years and plans to go to theatre school.

Both joined Manchester Youth Theatre this year. The group, founded in 1965 in association with the National Youth Theatre, has more than 100 members aged from 15 to 21 and offers a Manchester-based Summer season of productions in professional theatres and courses in theatre skills.

As well as helping young people towards high levels of artistic achievement, the MYT exists to benefit its members in terms of personal and social development. Participation in the season enables young people to gain practical experience of theatre, as well as the chance of working with other young people and professional theatre practitioners.

The 2002 season includes two courses for new members, with end of course performances at the Royal Exchange Theatre Studio, Manchester.

The flagship production will be Dominic Cooke's adaptation of Arabian Nights at the Royal Exchange Studio Theatre, from Wednesday, August 28, to Saturday, August 7.

Tickets are £9, concessions and Wednesday matinees at 2.30pm £6 with a bring two children and get two adult tickets for £6 each offer on all performances. Box office 0161 833 9833.