HE HAS had some of the most interesting roles in theatre and now he plays Prince Charming in the Janice Honeyman directed and produced pantomime Cinderella,currently on at the Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg.

Bongi Mthombeni's showbiz career was planned many years ago.

The South African singer is best known as a finalist on M-Net's Idols last year.

Born and raised in Tembisa, Bongi started taking music seriously when he was very young.

Completely self-taught, he wowed the Idols judges not only with his beautiful, strong voice, but also with his skilful piano playing.

Bongi also plays drums and bass guitar and in his free time the talented artist visits orphanages where he teaches children to play musical instruments.

The gifted young man is also a fitness fanatic and he simply loves spending time in the pool at the gym and also on the soccer field.

The role of Prince Charming in the pantomime, which is sure to be another Honeyman extravaganza, seems to have thrown Bongi into the thick of things.

If his previous work is anything to go by, Bongi's role as the love-struck prince in Cinderellais most likely to be the toast of theatre lovers this festive season.

Bongi was approached last year by Joburg Theatre chief executive Bernard Jay to audition for the role of the handsome prince the minute he was voted out of Idols.

At the time Jay said: "He's a born performer. I've been watching him on Idols for weeks now and I've realised that he would make the most charming of Prince Charmings in Cinderella."

As for Bongi, he said he is absolutely delighted to have been approached to play the prince in the famous fairytale.

"I'm over the moon and I'm extremely grateful to have been approached by such a big production," said a happy Bongi.