Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus is to appear in a disco version of the nativity story, it has been announced.

The Scots singer will play Mary in Discotivity, which sees the story of the birth of Jesus transformed into a panto-style production set to disco music.

It will premiere at Edinburgh's Fringe Festival in August, and will then transfer 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."

The production, which will run at Edinburgh's Gilded Balloon venue, is written by journalist Toby Rose and features music mixed by DJs and producers Luke Hope and Alan X.