A TALENTED youngsters’ singing group is returning to the Orchard Theatre in Dartford due to popular demand.

The Voice in a Million Children’s Choir, which features 200 young people from Dartford and the surrounding area, will be appearing on stage for The Orphan’s Christmas Wish on November 19 at the Orchard Theatre, in Home Gardens, before the show goes on tour.

Choirs from a variety of schools will be performing including Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School, in Horton Road, Dartford,  Darenth Community Primary School, in Green Street Green Road, also in Dartford, and Parkwood Hall School, in Beechenlea Lane, Kent.

Nine year-old Kai Patel, from Surrey, has been given the lead role of Jake and is being primed for stardom through attending a weekly Voice in a Million Academy.

He said: “I look forward to going every Sunday.

“When I started there I was really shy and got very nervous singing in front of others.

“I have since performed at Wembley Arena, Orchard Theatre in Dartford, and lots of other smaller events.

“Now that I have been there a year my confidence has grown and I have lots of friends there too.”

The project was launched in 2009 by creative director Jo Garofalo to create awareness of the many thousands of children in the care system.

Since then the choir has grown to over 26,000 members from schools, groups and individuals throughout the UK and celebrity fans include Sir Elton John and Piers Morgan.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01322 220000 or visit orchardtheatre.co.uk