West End stars will flock to Stroud for a charity fundraising concert in memory of a beloved Archway School music teacher, writes Freddie Whittaker.
Rosamund Tyler, or just “Ros” to her many students, inspired thousands of pupils through her direction of dozens of musical theatre shows and concerts at the school including Les Miserables, Oliver!, Orpheus in the Underworld, Grease and Return to the Forbidden Planet.
She taught at Archway from 1977 to 1980 and then from 1995 to 2014. She also taught at Marling School and worked as a supply teacher in the town.
Ros died last year at the age of 75. Now a group of her former pupils have teamed up with her family to organise a fundraiser for Stroud-based Longfield Community Hospice, which helped care for her in her final days.
The team hope Stars: An evening inspired by Ros Tyler will raise at least £10,000 for a fantastic Stroud charity.
On Saturday June 14 from 6pm, Archway’s main hall will be transformed once again into a theatre, with performances from ex-pupils, including theatre star Craig Mather and friends from the West End.
There will be a charity raffle with prizes including tickets to an England football game and for Les Miserables in the West End, a family photo shoot and various hampers and produce from local business.
Craig, who with Ros’s support and teaching has gone on to take leading roles in West End productions of Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd and Wind in the Willows, said: “This concert is a celebration of Ros Tyler’s incredible legacy and the lasting impact she had on so many students.
“She inspired countless young people to pursue a wide range of careers, and for me personally, she was the driving force behind my journey into performing arts. I truly don’t think I would have pursued this career without her encouragement and belief in me.
“She once wrote me a note that said, ‘Craig, shoot for the stars!’ That has stayed with me throughout my career.
“This event is about bringing everyone back together, and there’s no better place to do that than where it all began—Archway School.”
Ros’s husband Bob and sons Paul and Mark said: “We’re immensely proud to be supporting Craig and other former pupils of our wife and mum.
“She would have been delighted that so many of her former pupils have collaborated in putting on this event and celebrate the legacy and impact that she had on so many lives.”
Katy Easey, marketing manager at Longfield, said: “We are touched that such a high-profile event is being held locally in aid of Longfield, and in memory of Rosamund
“Funds raised will go towards helping others in our community receive Hospice care, whether that be, at home end of life care, or supporting those living with life-limiting illness and their family carers through a range of Wellbeing and Bereavement services at our Minchinhampton centre.”
Tickets for the event will cost £30 and include a glass of fizz (or soft drink) on arrival.
Stroud’s iconic Big Red Bus Bar will also be on site, selling a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The organisation has also kindly agreed to donate 10 per cent of their takings to Longfield.
Tickets are being sold online only, via this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/starsaneveninginspired/stars-an-evening-inspired-by-ros-tyler/2025-06-14/18:00/t-zznznlm
Donations link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stars-ros-tyler
