14 hours ago3 min read

Richard Jones - "Soldier Of Illusion" Review

ACT I (The Concise Version)

Richard Jones, the winner of Britain’s Got Talent in 2016, has constantly toured shows every year. This particular performance of the current show “Soldier Of Illusion” was held at the Kettering Lighthouse Theatre.

An accomplished and seasoned theatre performer and magician, Jones consistently sells out all his shows. The audience at the Kettering Lighthouse Theatre was a packed house, filled with people of all ages, from children to retired adults.

Jones’ performance was confident and flawless throughout. The show was fast and well-paced, with high production values. An interactive show that is crafted to fully encourage audience participation. The content of the show ranged from mentalism, sleights of hand, close-up magic, music, and biographical storytelling. All of it was infused with quick wit and well-timed humour.

The audience erupted into a standing ovation at the end of the show, and it was well-deserved. They had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were likely trying to figure out how Jones had performed his feats.

Overall, it was an excellent show that is recommended for all ages. If you haven’t seen it yet, book your tickets now before the end of its run early next year.

INTERVAL

If this review has whet your appetite, think of this review as two acts. The concise version and then the Magic Seats Fan Boy edition with expanded details.

"Magic Seats" reviews are spoiler free and no detailed show content is knowingly shared. General info about the show experience/production is discussed without detailing in-depth set content. The site's objective is to promote magic positively and keep this art alive in theatres.

ACT II (The Magic Seats Fan Boy Edition)

I first had the opportunity to watch Richard perform in 2018. Over the years I have seen his shows about 7 times and I have witnessed his progression as an artist. He just gets better and better each time and I was excited to see his latest performance.

The foyer of the theatre was already buzzing when I arrived with many early arrivals having a drink and ready for some magic. Richard has a lot of regulars who come back every year to see him perform and I recognised a few familiar faces.

Lots of merchandise was available including caps, magic sets and other items which included signed tour posters As a collector of signed items, I was able to get a poster at a reasonable price. I do like a little bit of merchandise!

Ticket options for the show include VIP to meet Richard for a private pre-show, selfie opportunity and signed poster/gift. Standard tickets also being available.

An impressive start to the show built interaction from the very beginning in a brilliant and uniquely fun way that I have not experienced at such a show before. Richard then teased the audience with cheeky presentation of effects that made them perhaps question his abilities before he constantly astounds the audience.

While I enjoyed all parts of the set, I can’t help but feel constantly amazed by the mentalism within the show. Amazing and skilfully presented in a fun way. I also appreciated a more biographical element to the show which allows the audience to connect to Richard as a person. All resulting in the deserved standing ovation at the end.

The end of the show is very memorable and provides a treat for audience members with a spectacular finish and Richard showcasing yet another talent.

For fans of this show or those wanting to see it, be quick as the scheduled dates end early next year. The show will then be replaced with “The Sound Of Magic” which I will also review in 2025.