News

The Royal Theatrical Fund is delighted to be returning to the Actors Church with their annual Carol Service on Friday 6th December, 6pm.

Join us for an evening of traditional carols, readings, festive songs, and enjoy a mulled wine and a mince pie with us after the concert.

This year’s cast includes (subject to availability) Samantha Bond, Ginny Holder, Jeremy Irons, Robert Lindsay, Elaine Paige, Samantha Spiro and Sophie Thompson.  The service led by Rev. Richard Syms

With special performances from The RTF and ABF choir, and the London Show Choir.

Tickets £30

Available here: https://actorschurch.org/whatson/the-royal-theatrical-funds-christmas-concert/

Dame Maggie Smith became a Vice President of The Royal Theatrical Fund in 2016 and was a devoted supporter of the fund. Maggie will be greatly missed by all at The RTF. Maggie’s legacy will live on and continue to provide joy for years to come. A true national treasure. Our thoughts are with her family and everyone whose lives she touched.

The Royal Theatrical Fund would like to thank the family of Actress, June Rose for their generous gift in memory of June.

June had a colourful and varied career, performing on stage at the White Rock Pavilion in Hastings with the likes of Terry Scott and Hugh Lloyd Revel. She toured the country during the summer months, notably with D’Oyly Carte Opera, and performed in the West End.

June was a musical soprano and performed a lot of cabaret in London and Brighton and also starred in musicals such as King’s Rhapsody. She was known as a beauty with a twinkle in her eye, and was named Miss Evening Argus in the 1950s. She was also the cover girl for numerous books such as the crime novel ‘My Rubies Are Blood Red’.

After quitting stage work, she worked as a clerical officer for the Royal Mail. There she met her best friend and soulmate, Irene Wilson. They started on the same day and remained together for the rest of their lives, setting up home together in Seaford. They were known in their neighbourhood for fabulous New Year parties! When they retired, they went travelling around the world and always enjoyed trips to the theatre in Chichester and London.

June passed away at the age of 90 on January 6th 2019 followed by Irene on January 13th 2023. They are buried at Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Brighton overlooking the sea.

This legacy is bequeathed by Irene in June’s name in memory of their lives together, her admiration of June’s beauty and talent, and in heartfelt acknowledgement of Des Rose (violinist and conductor) and Mac Rose (percussionist), June’s brothers, who were also in the business throughout their lives.

We meet at St Pauls Church, Covent Garden (fondly known as the Actors Church) fortnightly on a Monday from 11am – 1pm.

It is free to attend, and we welcome all abilities. You don’t need to be able to read music, just come along and enjoy yourself. The sessions bring together theatrical people for a fun couple of hours of singing, and of course to have a cuppa and a chat before we start.

For more information, get in touch: admin@trtf.com

We are delighted to announce that Chief Executive Office of The Royal Theatrical Fund, Sharon Lomas has been awarded an MBE by King Charles III in The King’s Birthday Honours 2024.

The King’s Birthday Honours list recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK, from all walks of life. We are all very proud that Sharon has been awarded this prestigious honour.

Sharon was recently invited to attend the Creative Industries Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in London on May 15, 2024.