The acclaimed West End diva talks about her childhood ambition (not acting, surprisingly), how tap dancing paved the way for theatre, and her trick to singing in tune. 

This theatre veteran began professional life on stage in her teens. At 19, Ria Jones became the youngest actress ever to play the role of Eva Peron in the musical "Evita", which was then followed swiftly by her West End debut in the musical "Chess".

Ria Jones

She has since travelled around the world, from South Africa to Singapore to Shanghai, to hone her craft. This October, she will be in town again for the annual W!LD RICE Ball "Night Safari", where Jones will perform alongside Hossan Leong and Pam Oei.

1. Was it always your ambition to become a stage actress?

No not really, I wanted to be a Welsh teacher. But with both my parents in the business, I guess it was already written in the stars. I remember after getting my first pay check thinking, 'Wow, I'm being paid for something I love, this can't be bad'. I'll give it a go and that was 31 years ago. 

2. How did you start out in singing?

My parents are both singers and so from a very young age I was always singing around the house. I think they saw that I needed an outlet for this, so, on my third birthday I got a pair of tap shoes and my first tap class and I loved it. We used to perform concerts in local theatres, old peoples homes and pantomimes etc. A great way to nurture what started out as a hobby. My parents never pushed me into show business, they let me find my own journey there, which I will be eternally grateful for.

3. What is the trick to singing in tune?

I think it helps if you naturally have a good ear for music. I don't read music very well, but that's never held me back as I have a good ear so I can pick up a tune pretty quickly. The trick to singing in tune is to make sure you can always hear your accompaniment, which is more difficult when you're singing with an 80-piece orchestra as opposed to just a piano. Both I equally enjoy but both very different.

4. Do you have any unusual pre-performance rituals?

I never like anyone whistling in the dressing room, which is considered bad luck. I normally like to be on my own without any interruptions if possible, for at least half an hour before I go on stage. That is my time where I like to focus. I also don't eat prior to singing and certainly no alcohol, that's after! 

5. What is the most memorable role you've performed and why?

I can't choose one, so I'll have to choose two19for two very difference reasons. Eva Peron in Evita was a huge highlight of my career. It challenged me as a singer and an actress. I was only nineteen when I performed this role and it certainly paved the way for great roles ahead. On the other end of the spectrum I played a char cleaning lady, Mrs Overall in Victoria Woods musical Acorn Antiques, which has a cult following in the UK. I took over the role from the great Julie Walters, In fact I wore her costumes which I felt brought me luck. This was my first role where my comedy and acting skills came before the singing and I loved every minute of it. To make an audience laugh gave me such a high.

6. What is the best thing about being in theatre?

I love entertaining and the joy of being able to move people through acting and song, it is such a powerful experience. It can take me hours to come down from the adrenaline rush when I know I've done a good show. I can't help but think how lucky I am to do this for a living.

7. What are you most looking forward to at the Rice Ball?

The food, next question... No seriously, I'm very honoured to have been invited to such a great event. I have long admired Wild Rice and their work. I also feel I'll be amongst friends, so I'm looking forward to an evening full of love, life and laughter... with entertainment thrown in.

8. What do you want the audience to take away from the performance?

That they've now met Miss Jones and hope they enjoyed it.

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