Andrew Allan
Encyclopedia
Andrew Allan born in Scotland, was the national head of CBC Radio
Drama from 1943 to 1955. He oversaw the work of some of the finest talents of the day – writers and actors such as Lister Sinclair, Mavor Moore
, W.O. Mitchell, Jane Mallett
, John Drainie
, Barry Morse
, Christopher Plummer
, James Doohan
, and many others.
After serving as radio drama head, Allan attempted to make the transition to television
, but didn’t like it. He later became the first Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival
(1963–1965) and was a freelance writer until his death.
Allan’s office chair from his tenure as head of CBC Radio
Drama, an old wooden armchair, is an icon at CBC Radio
’s Toronto
headquarters. It sits on a pedestal outside of the drama recording studio and is handed down from one head of drama to the next.
In September 1939, Allan, traveling with his fiancee, American actress Judith Evelyn
, was a survivor of the SS Athenia
.
CBC Radio
CBC Radio generally refers to the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which are outlined below.-English:CBC Radio operates three English language...
Drama from 1943 to 1955. He oversaw the work of some of the finest talents of the day – writers and actors such as Lister Sinclair, Mavor Moore
Mavor Moore
James Mavor Moore, CC, OBC was a Canadian writer, producer, actor, public servant, critic, and educator.-Biography:...
, W.O. Mitchell, Jane Mallett
Jane Mallett
Jane Mallett was born in London, Ontario, Canada. She was a notable Canadian stage and film actress, born Jean Dawson Keenleyside....
, John Drainie
John Drainie
John Robert Roy Drainie was a Canadian actor and television presenter, who was called "the greatest radio actor in the world" by Orson Welles....
, Barry Morse
Barry Morse
Herbert "Barry" Morse was an Anglo-Canadian actor of stage, screen, and radio best known for his roles in the ABC television series The Fugitive and the British sci-fi drama Space: 1999...
, Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer
Arthur Christopher Orne Plummer, CC is a Canadian theatre, film and television actor. He made his film debut in 1957's Stage Struck, and notable early film performances include Night of the Generals, The Return of the Pink Panther and The Man Who Would Be King.In a career that spans over five...
, James Doohan
James Doohan
James Montgomery "Jimmy" Doohan was a Canadian character and voice actor best known for his role as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the television and film series Star Trek...
, and many others.
After serving as radio drama head, Allan attempted to make the transition to television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
, but didn’t like it. He later became the first Artistic Director of the Shaw Festival
Shaw Festival
The Shaw Festival is a major Canadian theatre festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the second largest repertory theatre company in North America...
(1963–1965) and was a freelance writer until his death.
Allan’s office chair from his tenure as head of CBC Radio
CBC Radio
CBC Radio generally refers to the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which are outlined below.-English:CBC Radio operates three English language...
Drama, an old wooden armchair, is an icon at CBC Radio
CBC Radio
CBC Radio generally refers to the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which are outlined below.-English:CBC Radio operates three English language...
’s Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
headquarters. It sits on a pedestal outside of the drama recording studio and is handed down from one head of drama to the next.
In September 1939, Allan, traveling with his fiancee, American actress Judith Evelyn
Judith Evelyn
Judith Evelyn was an American stage and film actress. She was born Evelyn Morris in Seneca, South Dakota.Evelyn appeared on Broadway in the following plays:* The Shrike as "Ann Downs"...
, was a survivor of the SS Athenia
SS Athenia
The S.S. Athenia was the first British ship to be sunk by Nazi Germany in World War II.-Description:Athenia was built by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Ltd., and was launched at Govan, Scotland in 1923. She was built for Anchor-Donaldson Ltd.'s route between Britain and Canada...
.