The History
of The Royal Theatrical Fund
Founded in 1839, The Royal Theatrical Fund was established by a group of actors, led by our first Chairman, Charles Dickens, to address the severe hardships faced by many in the acting profession. Over the years, the Fund has been dedicated to providing financial assistance without restrictive covenants to those in need within or retired from the entertainment industry.
The RTF is honoured to be incorporated under two Royal Charters: the first granted in 1853 during the reign of Queen Victoria, and the second in 1974 by our former patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The support from the Royal Family has been instrumental in our mission, and we are grateful for their continued patronage.
Since our humble beginnings, we have aided thousands of individuals and families experiencing desperate times. His Majesty King Charles III’s patronage marks a new chapter in our history, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the entertainment community.
We are truly privileged to have His Majesty’s support and look forward to working together to uphold the legacy of The Royal Theatrical Fund.
Samantha Bond
Chairwoman
Sharon Lomas MBE
Chief Executive Officer
Joel Marvin
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Sue Basten
Welfare Advisor