Lawrence Allen studied music at the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music and the Victorian College of the Arts. In 1980, he continued his studies in London with Eric Vietheer and Geoffrey Parsons, participating in a series of BBC televised master classes given by Elizabeth Schwarzkopf.

His overseas work includes appearances with the English National Opera. and Chelsea Opera, London. Since returning to Australia he has performed with the Victorian State Opera, the Australian Opera, the Western Australian Opera and the New Zealand Opera.

Lawrence has sung under the direction of noted conductors such as Sir Charles Mackerras, Mark Elder, William Reid and Simone Young. He continues to be in demand as an opera and concert performer.

More recently Lawrence shared the role of Edgardo in the Melbourne City Opera production of Lucia di Lammermoor and sang tenor roles in The Pavarotti Story.