THE town of Buckingham is mourning the loss of its official jester — after he resigned in order to train as a priest.
Sam Cross, who is 26, has given up the job, which required him to wear a jester’s outfit and entertain at town events. He begins theological training at Cuddesdon this autumn.
He has been the official jester of Buckingham since 2007. He also works as a magician for children’s parties and adults’ events, and has a client list that includes Harrods, Tesco, and the Early Learning Centre. He is one of only 500 “silver-star” members of the Magic Circle.
He says that he has kept his faith and his magic skills largely separate, although he occasionally combines them for outreach events. “I don’t water down my magic shows with tacked-on evangelism, and I don’t cheapen the gospel message by using tricks. It is powerful enough to stand up on its own, as long as it’s delivered from someone who is affected by it daily.
“I often use the magic as a rapport-builder. You can entertain and amuse, and, then, when the audience are on your side and like you, they are much more likely to listen to what else you have to say.”
He thinks his performance skills will come in useful, however. “They allow me to communicate effectively with all ages, especially the young, and make me more accessible to them.”