Kylie's voice to star in 'Rent'

Kylie Minogue's voice will be heard in a new stage production of Rent.

The singer has recorded answerphone messages for the musical, which opens at the Duke of York Theatre in the West End tonight.

However, Minogue's voice has been dramatically altered digitally so it can't be immediately recognised.

Minogue was persuaded to help with the production by her creative collaborator William Baker, who directs the show.

A spokesperson for the theatre told BBC News: "It started off as very much an 'in' thing between Kylie and William Baker, and it was a great way to get her involved in a small way.

"It is great to have Kylie on board, and she was very kind to agree to do it."

The cast of the musical's latest production includes ex-Sugababe Siobhan Donaghy and TV presenter Denise Van Outen.