West End stars to honour 'inspirational' teacher

Rosamund Tyler encouraged thousands of students to believe in themselves

Stars of the stage will swap the West End for a West Country school this summer, in celebration of a popular music teacher.

A charity fundraising concert in memory of Rosamund Tyler, who taught at Archway School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, will see the school's main hall transformed into a theatre and feature performances and events.

Ros - as she was affectionally known by her students - taught at the school for more than 20 years and "inspired countless young people" to pursue performing arts and other careers.

She died last year at the age of 75 and concert organisers hope to raise more than £10,000 for the local hospice that cared for her at the end of her life.

'Shoot for the stars'

During her two spells at the school, Ros directed dozens of shows including Les Misérables, Oliver! and Grease.

One of her former pupils, Craig Mather, has gone on to have a successful West End career and said he would not have been able to do it without her "encouragement and belief".

He will be appearing in the concert alongside friends from the world of stage.

He said he still leant on advice given to him by his former teacher.

"She once wrote me a note that said, 'Craig, shoot for the stars!'

"That has stayed with me throughout my career," he said.

His teacher's encouragement led actor Craig Mather to a successful theatre career

The concert, on 14 June, is being staged in collaboration with Ros's family.

Her husband Bob and sons Paul and Mark said they were "immensely proud" to be involved.

Katy Easey, marketing manager at Stroud's Longfield Community Hospice, said they were "touched" the event was being held in aid of community end-of-life care.

Tickets for Stars: An evening inspired by Ros Tyler cost £30 with a raffle for prizes including tickets for an England football game and for Les Misérables in the West End.