Doctor Who star John Barrowman to receive honorary degree from RSAMD

May 17 2011

John Barrowman

GLASGOW-BORN TV star John Barrowman is to receive an honorary degree from his home city later this year.

The Doctor Who and Torchwood actor will be made an honorary Doctor of Drama by the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) in July.

Others to be recognised this summer include actor, writer and producer David MacLennan and singers Moira Anderson and Judith Howarth.

Born in Glasgow, Barrowman moved to the USA with his family and later studied musical theatre at the US International University in San Diego, California.

He has starred in many West End shows, including Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera and Sunset Boulevard.

The 44-year-old returned to Glasgow last year to star in SECC pantomime Aladdin and will return this Christmas alongside the Krankies in Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates.

Anderson and Howarth will both be presented with the honour Doctor of Music.

RSAMD alumna Howarth joined The Royal Opera as a principal at the age of 21 and spent nine seasons there.

The soprano has also performed alongside Luciano Pavarotti, toured with Placido Domingo to Seattle, Australasia, Brussels and Amsterdam, and starred with Jose Carreras at the Birmingham International Arena.

Anderson, who also studied at the RSAMD, presented her own BBC radio programme called "Can't Help Singing", which saw her sing with guests from the world of opera and stage musicals.

She also joined the late Kenneth McKellar on a concert tour of Canada and America then, later in the year, a tour of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

MacLennan was one of the founders of the 7:84 Scotland Theatre in 1973, along with his sister Elizabeth and her husband John McGrath.

He was one of the driving forces behind Glasgow's Mayfest and is also the man behind the series A Play, A Pie and A Pint, at Oran Mor in Glasgow's West End.

The ceremonies will take place in the RSAMD in Glasgow on Tuesday July 5.