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The Drifters select Wimbledon primary school pupils for tour

Summary:

Fifties soul super group, the Drifters, have selected a Wimbledon primary school to perform with at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 30th September.

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By Evanna Holland

Fifties’ soul super group, the Drifters, have selected a Wimbledon primary school to perform with at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 30th September.

Dundonald Primary School of Dundonald Road has been visited by original member, Michael Williams, to rehearse for their performance and run a workshop.

The opportunity comes as the famous RnB group are giving primary schools across the country the chance to perform live on stage with them during their UK tour.

Mr Williams said: “We have been completely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and excitement of the children – it is a very special project to be involved in.”

The band are starting out on a 70-date ‘Masquerade Tour’ and 30 primary schools will have the chance to sing the group’s most famous numbers.

Nearly 20 children from each school choir will perform the song ‘Stand by Me’ and will also join the group on stage for the finale with ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’.

Managing Director of PMG, Kathy Mashadi, the organisers of the collaboration, said: “It is an experience they will never forget.

“In a time where reality television often gives children a false impression of life in performance, this programme aims to give children a more accurate overview of what happens in the music industry.”

The Drifters are now in their 59th year and have sold over 114 million albums, with their greatest hits including ‘Under the Boardwalk’ and ‘Kissin’ in the Back Row’.

Their latest single, ‘Up on the Roof’ has now gone gold, reaching number 12 in the UK Charts.

The group has featured over 65 different vocalists in their time, including Soul legend Ben E. King.

The ‘Masquerade Tour’ begins in Croydon on Friday the 27th July, finishing in Swansea on Monday 3rd December.

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