Newcastle United and England defender Dan Burn will provide the voice of the Genie in a Christmas pantomime production of Aladdin at his hometown theatre in Blyth
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has secured a starring role in a pantomime at his local theatre.
The Northumberland-born player will lend his voice to the Genie in the Phoenix Theatre’s festive production of Aladdin.
The 33-year-old England international, who netted a crucial goal in March’s Carabao Cup final to help the Magpies claim their first domestic silverware since 1955, saw his casting revealed across the Blyth theatre’s social media platforms.
The announcement read: “The secret’s out. Blyth’s very own Dan Burn is the voice of the Genie in Aladdin at The Phoenix Theatre this Christmas. Get ready for wishes, laughter, and a giant dose of Toon magic. Tickets are flying faster than a magic carpet.”
News of Burn’s involvement has sent Newcastle supporters into overdrive, with one fan exclaiming: “This has made my night”, reports Chronicle Live.
Another supporter gushed: “This is going to be amazing”, whilst a third chimed in: “This is unbelievably brilliant.”
Burn won’t physically appear on stage during performances, with his contribution being pre-recorded – hardly surprising given Eddie Howe’s squad face a packed December schedule across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup.
The production runs from December 6 through to December 28, with tickets currently available for purchase via the Phoenix Theatre’s official website.
It comes after Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe hailed their first away win of the Premier League season as a “big step forward” after a 4-1 victory at Everton.
Having not enjoyed a league victory since April 7, it was no surprise to see the scenes at the end with players celebrating in front of the travelling support.
“That was really important as we haven’t had that feeling enough or at all,” said Howe.
“Very pleased today that we were able to put that right and give them that winning feeling to go back to Newcastle with.
“I’m just pleased I don’t have to answer the dreaded questions on it.
“We have a lot of work to do to say we have solved some of the issues we have had, but it is a big moment for us. A step forward.”