Archive - Thursday, 20 December 2001


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Big time beckons

YOUNG performers from Penarth will make their debuts at a star-studded event at the Royal Albert Hall.

Members of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts Penarth School will join one Gabrielle, of the UK's most successful singer/songwriters, at a charity event.

It will feature 3,000 voices as well as a host of celebrities, including Boney M and Uri Geller.

Now the youngsters are working hard to audition for the event, which takes place on March 10.

The concert is the brainchild of singer and actress Patti Boulaye who founded the Support for Africa charity, which aims to raise funds for clinics there.

They will treat people with HIV/Aids and malaria.

Under the banner Reaching out for Africa, the concert will involve Stagecoach members joining a choir of 3000 voices.

The event will be produced by Sir Michael Parker KVCO CBE, who has produced many leading events, including the Queen Mother's 100th Birthday, the Royal Military Tattoo 2000, and the Christmas spectacular, Joy to the World, at the Royal Albert Hall.

Patti said: "I have seen Stagecoach perform at several major events and am impressed by their professionalism, which is truly outstanding.

"I therefore asked Stagecoach's principal Stephanie Manuel if the network of 355 schools in the UK could provide 1,500 voices for the choir.

"Thankfully she said yes. Now each school, including Penarth run by principal Janis Hopkins, is auditioning students to participate."

Stephanie Manuel said: "We are very excited at being given the opportunity of working with the very many high-profile celebrities who are supporting Patti with her efforts to campaign against two of the world's most deadly diseases."

For information on Stagecoach, call Janis Hopkins on 0800 169 5520.