It’s not every day you encounter a magician…
Loughburian Anthony Middleton (Class of 2003), otherwise known as Sonic, will be joining us to perform his amazing tricks at this year’s Gala Dinner on 23 April 2022. We caught up with Anthony to uncover his LGS memories, successful career journey and to see what is in store for his Gala Dinner performance!
What memories do you have of your time at Loughborough Grammar School?
I have very fond memories of LGS, being heavily involved in music, art, and drama. I was one of the first to do the AS Drama & Theatre Studies course.
Having set up a magic society at the school, in sixth form I staged a full illusion show in the drama studio – which was a huge success. I still have the poster for this show on the wall above my desk stating Adults £4, nowadays I perform my show The Magic Hour at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in Mayfair where tickets range from £50-£100. How times have changed!
The initial steps I took towards becoming a professional magician were important, and I am grateful that LGS staff went the extra mile to support me in what I wanted to do. Without this support, my first proper magic show would never have happened.
Who had the greatest influence on you during your time at School?
Several teachers at school were an influence on me. Anyone who is passionate enough about their subject inspires their students. Dr Rees, Mr Bunting, Mr Payne, Mr Lax, Dr Underwood, Mr Campbell and Peter Viccars were all very committed, and that rubs off.
Peter Viccars supported me in pursuing stage design for my Art A Level, which I don’t believe had been done before, and as a result I scored very highly. A special thanks should go to teachers like Mr Morse who gave up lunchtimes to support my magic club. After all, he willingly had his head chopped off by me in a school assembly – a trick of course!
The teachers at the school cared about what happened to their students, even long after they’d retired. Being asked to perform at the Gala Dinner has once again shown the commitment the school has in supporting alumni, even long after I attended.
Pictured is Anthony’s school assembly performance with Mr Morse!
Tell us about the LGS Magic Club – do you think it shaped the person you are today?
From a young age I knew what I wanted to do and was pleased that the school supported me. I found a home in magic, and so yes, those early years of organising magic club meetings, working on new tricks, performing in school assembly etc, all helped to build a foundation. I remember I invited members of the Leicester Magic Circle to come and lecture for us (a big deal at the time), and then went on to become a member of the society myself. Today, I am a member of the Magic Circle – one of the oldest and most prestigious magic societies in the world.
What aspects of your time at LGS have you taken with you into your performances and career today?
Apart from learning skills, I think the school imparts and nurtures good moral character. The idea of being a ‘gentleman’ is perhaps a little old fashioned these days, but I’d like to think I have retained something of that. To help others, take responsibility, do the right thing, give freely of your time where you can, and set the right example. These things help to build a kinder, more peaceful world, and rubs off on the next generation. Show business is of course very fickle, so it’s important to hold core values, as they make you happier in the long term.
What have you got lined up for future?
To date, I’ve performed professionally as a close-up magician all over the world from Rome to Rio de Janeiro, appearing at almost all the top London hotels. Along the way I’ve entertained Sir Roger Moore, and appeared at events with Jools Holland, Gary Barlow, The Hairy Bikers and numerous X-Factor and BGT stars.
My hit live show The Magic Hour started at the 5-star St Pancras Renaissance, before moving to its current location at the historic Sheraton Grand Park Lane, where it runs weekly. Amongst many other endeavours, I’ve directed a number of shows and helped to create London’s only close-up magic bar called Maskelyne & Cooke.
So, I’ve done quite a bit, and I’m not quite sure what’s next. Aside from continuing my live shows, I would like to open my own magic venue and would be interested in doing more TV if the right opportunities arise.
Why should alumni attend the Gala Dinner and what can they expect from ‘Sonic’
Attendees can expect lots of magic! I will be performing close-up magic at individual tables over dinner, followed by a show of magic and mind-reading. The show features some of the best material from my live shows which I cannot specify as it will ruin the surprise, but you can expect to witness the impossible, and be thoroughly entertained!
Find out more about Anthony’s live shows here: www.magichourshow.com