Pupils unite in single voice to promote adoption cause

It has played host to many musical legends over the years including U2, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.

Now the Playhouse theatre is set for another milestone – led by a choir of 250 children.

The youngsters – the majority of whom are from the Capital – have all been successful in nationwide auditions to be part of Voice in a Million, an adoption awareness concert backed by the likes of Elton John.

As well as delighting audiences with songs including the Four Tops’ classic Reach Out, I’ll be There and U2’s Pride, the performance will highlight adoption and fostering issues.

Representatives from the council’s adoption and fostering team will be on hand to recruit new carers.

Music teacher Helen Davies, who works at Broughton High where the auditions were held, said: “The auditions were fantastic – all the parents and grannies had come along to watch them audition.

“The kids thought that the message behind the concert was fantastic, particularly as some of them know children who have been adopted and fostered.

“It’s a great cause and appearing at the Playhouse is such a great opportunity for the kids.”

In all, pupils from seven Edinburgh schools – Colinton Primary, Trinity Academy, and Broughton, Drummond Community, Holy Rood and Portobello high – will perform.

Thirteen-year-old Reuben Woolard from Portobello High will take centre stage after his impressive audition saw him put forward for a solo. Reuben, who will perform the Stevie Wonder classic, For Once In My Life, said: “I’m so excited about performing.

“It’s going to be a great experience and I’m privileged to be performing at the Playhouse.

“The message is really good and it’s making a difference to less fortunate children.”

Voice in a Million founder, Jo Garofalo, said: “A few years ago, my husband and I tried to adopt in the UK for about seven years, but we faced lots of problems with changes being made to the rules of the adoption system.

“After that experience, I felt quite strongly that there was a need to raise awareness for adoptive and foster families.”

Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7.30pm on next Thursday, are still available. To book, call 0844 871 3014 or visit www.atgtickets.com.