Mary and Joseph disco down to Bethlehem

By Paul Majendie

EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Joseph and Mary boogie on down to Bethlehem with their loud-mouthed donkey in a disco version of the Nativity that is pure kitsch.

If awards were handed out at the Edinburgh Fringe for camp humor, then "Discotivity" would be a leading contender for top honors at the world's largest and zaniest arts festival.

Michelle McManus, winner of the reality TV talent show "Pop Idol", was understandably nervous about taking on the part of the Virgin Mary in the boisterous production.

"I was very apprehensive. I didn't want to get involved in anything sacrilegious. But the script is hilarious," said the 27-year-old Scottish singer making her musical stage debut.

Understated subtlety is not the show's strong point.

King Herod, plotting the massacre of the innocents after the birth of Jesus, gyrates to "Disco Inferno."

When Joseph and Mary find there is no room at the inn, queue camp chorus of Village People offering the "YMCA" as alternative accommodation.

As the couple puzzle over a name for their child, Mary goes into labor, doubles up in pain and shouts "Jesus Christ!"