Lily Allen is to star in a play.

The "Smile" singer has accepted the lead role in Neil LaBute's London production of "Reasons To Be Pretty" and wants to take a break from pop music because she is worn out.

Speaking backstage at the Bestival music festival - which takes place on the Isle of Wight - on Saturday (September 12, 2009), Lily said: "I'm not going to record and tour again for quite a while."

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"I finish up my dates in March and I'll be ready to do something else. I've been on the road for four years and I've given my voice a real run for its money. I'm struggling, so I'm going to try something new."

"The play is about themes close to my heart, about the really damaging cult of beauty among young girls. They want me to play the lead, which is both amazing and terrifying."

The 24-year-old singer – who has previously hosted her own talk show and made a cameo in long-running Australian sitcom "Neighbours" – is even having acting lessons at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to prepare for her new West End role.

She said: "There's a lady from RADA coming round to my house to train me up a bit. I'm always up for a new challenge."