Young Norfolk actors are preparing to take to the stage with two dark comedies for their spring productions.

The Norwich Theatre Royal Youth Company is set to perform two pieces of new writing at The Garage, one of which could also see the performers tread the boards at the National Theatre.

In March the company is to perform Heritage by Dafydd James, a show which follows a group of young people chosen to close a village's May Day celebrations and which looks at the darker side of nationalism.

Each of the people has something difficult or disturbing to face up to, and as things start going wrong and they tackle everything from grief to delusion, each of them suspects they may have been selected to perform for a sinister purpose.

The black comedy, directed by Jo Reil, is being presented as part of the National Theatre's Connections festival, and if the production impresses the festival judges then it could be taken to the National Theatre.

Meanwhile in April other members of the youth company will star in the murderous play Breathing Corpses which is being directed by Asa Cannell. The show, which won writer Laura Wade the Critic's Circle Most Promising Playwright Award, sees a teenage chambermaid discover a dead body and combines a host of twists and turns with lashings of black humour.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'Heritage and Breathing Corpses will give our youth company members the chance to really stretch themselves with some challenging characters and dark plays to perform in.

'This will also provide two opportunities for audiences to enjoy the work of two of this country's newest playwrights while also watching the performing talent of tomorrow.'

The Youth Company is made up of young people who learn acting skills as part of the Norwich Theatre Royal arts courses and has been the proving ground for students who have gone on to be actors, directors, producers and performers.

• Heritage is at The Garage from March 27 to 29 at 7.30pm. Suitable for 13+. Tickets £9 (concessions £7.50).

Breathing Corpses is at The Garage from April 3 to 5 at 7.30pm. Suitable for 12+. Tickets £9 (concessions £7.50).

For more information and to book call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk