Oxford curtain rises for Sir Tim

Sir Tim Rice, the lyricist whose collaborations with Lord Lloyd-Webber produced Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar , has been named Cameron Mackintosh visiting professor of contemporary theatre by St Catherine's College, Oxford, writes Claire Sanders.

Sir Tim, whose awards include an Oscar, a Golden Globe and six Grammys, plans to give lectures at St Catherine's and has offered to take a look at the lyrics of aspiring students. "I don't really think you can teach people to write, but I can certainly give those with flair a few tips," he said.

The visiting professorship aims to promote contemporary theatre at Oxford. It has previously been held by actors, writers, directors and producers, including Stephen Sondheim, Alan Ayckbourn and Diana Rigg.

The funding is provided by the Mackintosh Foundation, set up by Cameron Mackintosh in 1988 to promote theatre and the performing arts, to aid the homeless and to fund Aids research.

Sir Cameron is an honorary fellow of St Catherine's.