An Interview with Richard Jones, BGT Winner

This May we’re excited to welcome Britain’s Got Talent winner, Richard Jones to Beccles Public Hall.

After joining the army in 2010, Richard spent three years with the band of the Parachute Regiment and became part of the band of the Household Cavalry in 2014. Also known as the Military Illusionist, he is the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent. Richard combines his experiences and training from his 12 years in The British Army with cutting edge magic and illusion to create unforgettable moments. The show is aimed at all ages and as patron for two children’s charities, Scotty's Little Soldiers and Spread a Smile, Richard loves to see younger audience members at his show. There are even family tickets available for the show at Beccles, saving £16 on individual ticket prices.

Richard’s 2023 UK tour follows his headline sell-out with the biggest magic show in the West End. Richard’s appearance at Beccles Public Hall is the only date in Suffolk during the tour.

We caught up with Richard prior to his appearance at Beccles Public Hall on May 5th 2023 to find out more about his show and what audiences can expect on the night.

When did you first try your hand at Magic?

When I first joined the army I was posted away from home for the first time. At first I began learning little tricks to keep my friends entertained while we were travelling round but then within a year I was being asked to entertain large groups of soldiers to keep morale high during difficult times.

Gradually over time I got more and more fascinated by how magic can offer an escapism from reality. It doesn't matter how bad a day you're having, if you witness the impossible you instantly forget everything else for a short while.

How did you feel being part of Britain’s Got Talent?

I still get overwhelmed when I think about all the lovely people around the UK who went out of their way to pic up the phone and vote for me. Their act of kindness has given me the most amazing of adventures since and I'll be forever grateful. It is my mission now to put on a new tour every year and see as many of those people as possible as a thank you.

Are you able to say who was your favourite judge on the show and why?

The 5th judge (the audience) was always my favourite haha, the crowds were always amazing + my family were in there too.

P.S - all of the judges are lovely.

Can you give us a little sneak preview of what audiences can expect on the night at Beccles Public Hall?

It is a very interactive show. I want people to leave feeling like they were involved in an unforgettable experience where lots of unexplainable wonders happened. Often it will be the audiences who will be doing the impossible feats!

How do you come up with the material for your shows?

Hours, weeks, months, sometimes years of messing around with ideas. The way to a great piece of magic is to decide on the impossible challenge you want to create and then spend every waking hour trying to make the impossible possible!

Have you even been to Beccles or Suffolk before?

I've never been before so really excited!!! I'm hoping to spend a couple of days so I can have a good look around.

What are you look forward to most about being in Beccles?

I'm told you have the most friendly locals in the UK. I can't wait to meet you all

You can see An Evening of Magic with Richard Jones on stage at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre on Friday 5th May 2023, at 7:30pm. Tickets start at just £20 per person and can be booked online now [https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/becclespublichall/t-ealkoxq] or via the Box Office who are open, 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Pop in to purchase your tickets in person or call 01502 770060.