McManus gets disco panto role

Updated 13.58 Fri Jun 29 2007

Keywords: Pop Idol, Discotivity, Michelle McManus

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus is set to appear in a funky disco version of the nativity story.

The singer will play the lead role of Mary in Discotivity, which tells the story of the birth of Jesus transformed into a panto-style production with a disco soundtrack.

"People may be surprised that I've chosen to play this role but I loved the script" - Michelle McManus

The Scot will start off close to home as the production kicks off at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, moving on to London's West End for a Christmas season at the Arts Theatre in December.

McManus, 27, said: "People may be surprised that I've chosen to play this role, but I loved the script.

"And I've always wanted to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. Also, as an aspiring actress, I felt this was a great challenge and would be a lot of fun as well."

Michelle shot to fame after winning the Pop Idol TV singing contest in 2003 and went on to forge a singing and radio career.