Alan Edwards

Who was Alan Edwards?

Alan Edwards AM MBE was an accomplished actor and founding Artistic Director of the Queensland Theatre Company in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Edwards was considered a major contributor to the artistic life of Queensland and was awarded an MBE and Member of the Order of Australia for his services to theatre. He was also made an honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Southern Queensland.

Edwards won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He also obtained the same for the Old Vic School. After completing his training, he worked in various repertory theatres in England and Scotland before joining the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. From 1956 he worked mainly in London in film, theatre and radio. He also directed several plays.

Edwards began his teaching career at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He also taught at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford College and Toynbee Hall. In 1964 he was brought to Australia to teach at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney. During this time Edwards also managed to act with The Old Tote Theatre Company, The Theatre Royal, Hobart and played many roles on television for the ABC and commercial networks.