Biography
Jonathon De Vere, born Michael Jonathon McLaughlin in Bellshill, Scotland on June 13, moved to London at age five with his father and four older sisters. He quickly developed a passion for music, initially playing the violin and singing at school. He joined the school orchestra as lead violinist and, despite being a student, had a vocal range sufficient to perform in the teachers' choir. At age eight, he joined St George's Cathedral choir as a 'Pueri Cantores,' remaining until 17 and serving as Head Chorister for two years. During this time, the choir toured Europe, performing at renowned sites like Notre Dame in Paris, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, and Vatican Square in Rome. They had a private audience with the Pope, and the following Easter Sunday, Jonathon sang a solo for Pope John Paul II in Vatican Square.
After leaving school, he attended Mountview Theatre School in the late 1980s and early 1990s but ended up taking various working-class jobs, including several years at Marks and Spencer in Marble Arch. In 1997, he enrolled at Southbank University, London, studying for a BA in Business Management over three years. To support his education, he worked as a chauffeur and club bouncer. Though not performing professionally during this time, Jonathon was frequently backstage in London’s Theatreland from his mid-teens to early thirties, where his brother-in-law worked behind the scenes for Stoll Moss Theatres.
As a late bloomer, Jonathon returned to music in the mid-2000s after being asked to sing at a friend’s wedding. In 2012, he joined The Royal Choral Society, performing in prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican, and Kenwood House. He became a full member of The Actors Guild GB in 2015.
