Acclaimed theatre director and former head of Trentham High School in Stoke Ken Lowe died on 17 May, 2009, aged 77.

Mr Lowe had been associated with The Repertory Theatre for more than 50 years both as a director and actor.

He was an expert in Shakespeare’s plays and his last play before his death was Much Ado About Nothing, staged in January.

Mr Lowe had been deputy head at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College when it opened and then became head at Trentham High School from 1981 to 1993.

He died in hospital following an illness and was survived by his wife Ann and their daughter.

Former chairman of the theatre George Slater said: “I knew Ken for more than 50 years and I have no doubt he was one of the most talented directors in the area. His productions were full of vision and he had a terrific knowledge of the stage.

“In the early days he acted and he was also a tremendous help to the administration departments but his forte was directing. He had a wonderful sense of humour and he will be enormously missed at The Rep.”

Stage director Richard Masters said: “Ken will be so missed by the company and by me personally. We will never see the like of him again.

“He was the best director of plays in North Staffordshire in the last 30 years. He loved the English language and he was an expert on Shakespeare.

“He was also a very generous person and his attitude was to help people along the way. He was very committed to Stoke Repertory Theatre and was a very respected man.

“He has known and influenced so many people in a positive way. His direction was very precise but he also allowed people to make their own contribution. He had a vision in his head but he was not forceful, he delivered it in a kind way.”