Alan was born in Watford and went to university in Bangor, North Wales, where he studied English and Drama. He started working life in a travelling theatre company, visiting schools all over the country & writing much of their material.

Alan later trained as a drama teacher at Nottingham University , but most of his work in connection with the theatre has been as a writer or director. Other jobs have included working as an editor and working in a day centre. He has written stories and dramas for the BBC.