News

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.

We are delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has graciously decided to become Royal Patron of The Royal Theatrical Fund. His Majesty’s steadfast commitment to the arts and support for those in the entertainment profession is deeply appreciated by our community.

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.

Last week we had the pleasure of taking the choir to sing their Christmas repertoire to the residents at Denville Hall.

Denville Hall opened in 1926 as the ‘Haven for elderly actors & actresses’, Denville Hall has been providing care for actors and members of the wider theatrical industry ever since.

What a privilege to perform there. Thank you for having us!

He has been a wonderful friend to the RTF and his longstanding commitment to us as a Vice President was truly amazing.

Bill joined the RTF as a Vice President in 2003. His great friends our late President, Sir Donald Sinden and Paul Gane our late Chairman told wonderful stories about his visits to our various Board and AGM meetings.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time, he will truly be missed not only by the RTF but also by the world of Theatre.

8th December
6.00pm
£21.50

The Royal Theatrical Fund are delighted to be returning to the Actors Church with their annual Christmas Concert.

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

Please note there is no set seating or this event. Find our ticket refund policy here

Book tickets here. rb.gy/xon2r

The Dickens Room is a centrally located meeting room at 11 Garrick Street, home of The Royal Theatrical Fund in the heart of Theatreland!

Our newly refurbished meeting room can accommodate up to 20 people and has a versatile layout to suit your needs: theatre style, Board room, classroom or an informal layout.

Whether you need a space for play readings, auditions, board meetings or training sessions, we can offer you generous rates that will in turn be supporting The Royal Theatrical Funds beneficiaries.

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

The Royal Theatrical Fund Christmas Concert.
Friday 9th December 2022
St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.

Featuring Janie Dee and Stefan Bednarczyk, Robert Lindsay, Sir Derek Jacobi, Ginny Holder, The Royal Theatrical Fund Choir and the London Show Choir.