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Pictured: Martyn Gowar, Giles Watling, Richard Clifford, Samantha Bond, Julia Watson and Kate Humphrey.

A message from Samantha Bond, Chair of The Royal Theatrical Fund

Today, we come together not simply to merge two charities, but to unite behind a shared purpose. While each organisation has its own proud history, we have always been guided by the same values: compassion, service, and a commitment to supporting the theatrical community.

By joining forces, we will be stronger together. We will combine our expertise, make better use of our resources, and increase the impact of our work. Most importantly, we will be able to reach more people and provide even greater support, helping to ensure that no actor’s child goes without because of the uncertainties of our profession.

Together, The Royal Theatrical Fund and The Actors’ Children’s Trust has the opportunity to create an organisation that honours the proud legacy of both charities while building something even stronger for future generations.

As Chairwoman, I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead. This merger marks the beginning of a new chapter—one defined by collaboration, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to making an even greater difference for everyone in our theatrical family.

We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the wonderful Stephanie Cole.

Steph was a Director of The RTF for more than twenty years and made a lasting impact on the Fund’s beneficiaries, fellow Directors, and the wider RTF family.

We are delighted to announce that our annual Christmas Concert is returning to the Actors Church on Friday 4th 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.

With special performances from The RTF and AT choir.

Further guests will be announced soon

Book tickets

The RTF and AT Choir had the privilege to perform to the residents of Denville Hall this week.

Denville Hall opened in 1926 as the ‘Haven for elderly actors & actresses’, Denville Hall has been providing care for actors and home to all members of the creative and entertainment industries ever since.

Led by our Choir Master Stefan Bednarcyzk

If you would like to join the choir, get in touch: admin@trtf.com

We rehearse fortnightly on a Wednesday at St Pauls Church, Covent Garden, 10:30am – 12:30pm

Episode 4 of Actor’s Never Retire with this weeks guest, Barbara Rhodes is out now!

Listen here: Actor’s Never Retire – Barbara Rhodes

Barbara Rhodes’ theatre credits include My Fair Lady (Adelphi Theatre) and No, No Nanette (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Her opera and ballet credits include Falstaff, Turandot, Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker (all Royal Opera House); and for film, Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet and Carrington. Rhodes trained at the Royal Ballet School and was awarded the Solo Seal and Adeline Genee Bronze Medal.

Check out the new episode of Actor’s Never Retire with Tony Award Winner, Elizabeth Seal!

Listen here: Actor’s Never Retire – Elizabeth Seal

Elizabeth Seal’s theatre credits include The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees (London Coliseum), Salad Days (Duke of York’s Theatre and UK tour), Chicago (Cambridge Theatre and Sheffield Theatres), The Corn Is Green (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre), and Irma La Douce (Lyric Theatre, Gerald Scheonfeld Theatre, and Alvin Theatre – Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical). Her television credits include My Son, My Son, Supernatural, Z Cars, The Misfit, Softly Softly: Task Force, and Route 66; and for film, Headlock Security, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, Mack the Knife, and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life.

EPISODE 2 – OUT NOW!

David Alder is a familiar face and voice in the theatre community – and a valued member of the Royal Theatrical Fund choir.

In this episode, he takes us through a career that has spanned stage roles, tours and all kinds of projects, from his early breaks and the realities of life on the road, to the friendships, near-misses and funny mishaps that come with a working actor’s life.

He also talks openly about the role the RTF has played in supporting him and connecting people across the industry. Warm, candid and full of behind-the-scenes moments audiences never usually get to hear.

Listen here: Actor’s Never Retire – David Alder

The first episode of our new Podcast, Actor’s Never Retires is OUT NOW!

Myra Sands has appeared in some of the most beloved West End musicals of the last few decades – Cats, Evita, Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and in this episode she tells the stories behind that remarkable career.

From the car crash that nearly ended things before they began, to finding her way back through teaching, to juggling babies with eight-show weeks, Myra’s story is funny, warm and genuinely inspiring. Expect cabaret, lost musicals, long bike rides, and a lot of laughter… it’s very Myra.

Listen here: Actors Never Retire – Myra Sands

Announcing our first Podcast, Actors Never Retire!

A new podcast series celebrating the lives, careers and behind-the-scenes stories of those working across stage and screen.

Hosted by actress Molly Hanson, the six-episode series will feature candid conversations with performers whose careers have spanned decades on stage and screen. The guests are David Alder, Colette Kelly, Hayward Morse, Barbara Rhodes, Myra Sands, and Elizabeth Seal, alongside a special introduction from RTF Chairwoman Samantha Bond and RTF President Robert Lindsay, and original music by Stefan Bednarczyk.

From backstage disasters and career-defining moments, to reflections on longevity in the industry, each episode offers an honest and entertaining insight into the realities – and enduring joys – of a life in the entertainment industry.

The first episode will be released on Friday 12 June with the remaining five episodes released every Friday thereafter

Check out the trailer here: Actors Never Retire

We had the great privilege of working with Rob and Lockdown Theatre on several star-studded live table reads during the pandemic. The Real Inspector Hound, Private Lives and A Bit of Waiting for Godot raised more than £110k for The Royal Theatrical Fund and in 2020 ‘For One Knight Only’ A live-streamed Q&A featuring British acting legends Dame Judi Dench, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian McKellen, and the late Dame Maggie Smith, hosted by Sir Kenneth Branagh raised over £300,000 for Acting for Others, a record-breaking achievement for the charity. We are eternally grateful for Robs kindness, and the invaluable role he played in creating this theatrical magic. His support has had a huge impact on thousands of beneficiaries of the charities. He will be greatly missed.