Soldier to Royal Variety Show performer a Magical story of an Essex Freemason

A chance encounter on a cruise ship, and an incredible performance of Magic led to a fascinating meeting between two Essex Freemasons

Essex Provincial Press Officer, Dave Barton recently enjoyed a family holiday cruise where one of the entertainment highlights was Richard Jones and his ‘Soldier of Illusion’ act.

Richard, a former Soldier, Essex Freemason, Magician and the 2016 ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winner chatted with Dave about his ‘magical’ life:

DB: Richard, tell us a little bit about yourself.

RJ: I recently left the British Army after 12 years of service. I spent two years at The Royal Military School of Music as a pianist and trombonist before moving on to become a Bandsman of the Parachute Regiment where I spent a further four years. I then transferred and became a Mounted Dutyman of The Household Cavalry where I spent the rest of my Army career.

DB: So how did you first get into magic?

RJ: During my military career I began a fascination with Magic & Psychology and was particularly interested in how witnessing a magic trick could completely brighten up my friend’s day no matter how tough of a time we might have been going through.

Over the years the Army sent me to many countries specifically to entertain the locals and boost morale of the coalition forces as ‘The Army Magician’. I put on shows all over Europe, across the Middle East and as far as the Falkland Islands.

I feel very blessed by how magic has brought me, and hopefully my audiences, lots of happiness over the years.

DB: There can’t be many audiences or shows bigger than Britain’s Got Talent, So what was it like winning BGT?

RJ: I still get emotional thinking about it now. Knowing that so many strangers across the country supported me and went out of their way to help me, is something that will always make me emotional.

The kindness of strangers changed my life.

I now make it my mission to put on as many public shows throughout the year as possible so that I can meet and thank those kind people. After every show I will always be at the exit of the theatre thanking my audiences for being there and getting to know them a little. Some of the most fascinating stories I hear come from the short time spent with people after the shows.

DB: What was the Royal Variety Performance like?

RJ: I never thought I’d get the opportunity to perform on such a prestigious stage, so I was over the moon, especially when I found out I had the longest spot of the night!

I used magic to tell the story and honour our troops in the British Bomb Disposal units of which my brother was a Warrant Officer Class 1. They received a deserved standing ovation when they came on at the end of the performance.

DB: That’s amazing, what was it like working with the Royals?

RJ: I’ve been lucky to perform for the Royals on numerous occasions, both as a musician and magician. They’ve always been lovely. I particularly admired our late Queen Elizabeth II. I witnessed at many events, her personally wander around and greet all the staff and performers before any guests arrived to ensure we were all happy. An amazing woman. 

DB:  So, what are you doing now?

RJ: I’m lucky enough, to still feature on TV shows around the world, but most of my time now is spent performing live and hosting at corporate events, in theatres and the occasional wedding - Oh and also Masonic events ha ha!

I also enjoy performing on cruise ships like this where I met you and your family.

DB: What made you become a freemason?

RJ: When I appeared on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ a few years ago, I dedicated my final performance to a Mr Fergus Anckorn. A Prisoner of War in WW2, fellow Magician and Freemason. He used magic to survive the brutal treatment of the hard labour Japanese prison camps. He kept the morale high amongst his comrades and used magic to sneakily get extra food for them during tough times.

I first met him in 2013 and many times he would talk about Freemasonry. Since his passing I’ve been kindly invited as a guest to his old lodge and was always made to feel extremely welcome.

After leaving the army I decided it was the perfect time to reach out and join the ranks. I’m pleased to be a part of the Lodge of St. Peter No. 1024 in Maldon, and very pleased to have passed my second degree in Freemasonry.

DB: What are your plans for the rest of the year?

RJ: I’m currently on tour with my latest show ‘The Soldier of Illusion’ until mid-February. I also have my third degree planned for September and then hope to visit as many lodges as possible.

I’ve met some amazing people so far and look forward to meeting many more on this new journey.

Find out more about Richard:

Tour Shows | Richard Jones (richardjonesmagic.co.uk)

Photos

Top-Left: Richard greeting King Charles III

Top-right: Richard with Fergus Anckorn

Bottom-Left: Bedazzling the Prince of Wales

Bottom-right: Richard on duty with the Household Cavalry