A MIDDLESBROUGH teenager has been cast in a show based on the music of jazz legend Duke Ellington.

Rachael Raw, 15, from Coulby Newham, will appear in Such Sweet Thunder at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, in August.

Rachael, a member of Harlequin Stage School, in Yarm, and Teesside Operatic Society, was among 1,700 youngsters who auditioned for the show in January.

She recently won the Junior Championship cup for speech and drama at the Darlington Performing Arts Festival.

"This is a fantastic opportunity," she said. "I have had the theatre bug since the age of two, along with my family, who are all thespians.

"I am starting a performing arts course in September and am hopeful that my career will soon take off."

Rachael is seeking sponsorship to pay for meals, accommodation and travel. Anyone wishing to help is asked to call (01642) 596075.

* The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) gives young people the opportunity to participate in all aspects of music theatre.

Auditions are held each January for young people aged ten to 19 to perform in the cast and orchestras, and interviews take place for backstage, wardrobe and publicity roles. For more information information visit www.nymt.org.uk or contact Karen McKinnon-Lilley, NYMT Marketing Manager, on (0207) 7347478 .