Lung Ha at 40: Spotlight on… Jonathan Allan

Feb 18 2025 | By Thom Dibdin More

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lung Ha Theatre Company, All Edinburgh Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the award-winning professional company for actors and theatre makers who are autistic or learning-disabled.

Lung Ha have marked the occasion by commissioning a series of portraits of every member of its 24-strong ensemble from Edinburgh-based photographer Peter Dibdin. Æ will publish the individual portraits over the coming year of celebrations (see our News story: Lung Ha hit 40). We are publishing a new spotlight on a different actor every fortnight.

Lung Ha Actor Jonathan Allan, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Spotlight #20: Jonathan Allan

Jonathan’s history with the performing arts began when playing the part of Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Royal Blind School, Edinburgh, 1995. He joined Lung Ha in 2002. Jonathan loves being on stage and his joy is complete when he succeeds in getting the audience laughing.

Lung Ha Actor Jonathan Allan, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

ACTOR Q&A

What do you think is the most fabulous thing about being an actor?Getting to dance in musicals!

If you could give an aspiring actor one piece of advice, what would it be? Don’t do everything at once, do one thing at a time.

40 years is a big milestone during which we look back but also look ahead! What are your hopes or ambitions for the future? To continue in Lung Ha, it’s good fun and joyful.

The 40th anniversary photo shoot took place at the Traverse Theatre. Costumes by Karen Tennent; hair and make-up by Catherine Christie.

Browse the rest of the Spotlight on series here.