Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus is to play Mary in a disco version of the nativity story at the Arts this Christmas.
Discotivity premieres at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August before transferring to the West End. The musical, penned by film critic Toby Rose, features a disco soundtrack mixed by Luke Hope and Alan X. Hope is resident DJ at club night Salvation, while Alan X has a 25 year history as a DJ and producer, running famous clubs such as Sheffield’s Pure and Pleasure Zone in London.
A diva donkey called Tiffany Turner accompanies Mary and Joseph as they dance to some disco classics on the way to the funky town of Bethlehem. Herod is getting down with his bad self as the shepherds watch their flocks by night (fever), and the three kings are on their way to bring some bling to the Messiah.
McManus, who was the surprise winner of Pop Idol in 2003, said: “People may be surprised that I’ve chosen to play this role but I loved this script. Also, as an aspiring actress, I felt that this was a great challenge and would be a lot of fun as well!”
The booty-shaking biblical romp is at the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh from 1-27 August, and opens at the Arts on 4 December.
JFC