From The Royal Theatrical Fund
In memory of Rob Grant: 25th Sept 1955 – 25th Feb 2026

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.
Tom’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge!
On Saturday 25th July 2026, Tom Leo will be taking on the challenge of hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks in memory of his sister, Laura, who passed away in September last year at just 35 years old.

“This challenge is deeply personal to me — a way of honouring her life, carrying her memory with me every step of the journey, and turning grief into something purposeful. As I take on the miles and the climbs, I’ll be reflecting on her strength, her spirit, and the love that will always remain. Anyone reading this that knew Laura knows what a special person she was, always doing her upmost to help everyone she could and bought so much light into all of our lives. I was and still am so proud to call her my sister”
The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge covers approximately 24 miles (39 kilometres) and involves over 1,500 metres of ascent, all to be completed within 12 hours. The route takes in three iconic mountains of the Yorkshire Dales: Pen-y-ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres), and Ingleborough (723 metres)

Thank you Tom for choosing to support The RTF in memory of Laura, a talented seamstress, costume maker and performer!
Come and join us for coffee and Choir
We are delighted that the fortnightly coffee and choir mornings at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden are back! 10:30am – 12:30pm
The choir was formed in 2017 by Olivier Award winning Actress, Janie Dee. Her aim being to provide a space for anyone that enjoys singing, or just fancies a cuppa with likeminded people. In Janie’s words, ‘Singing is good for the soul’ and we couldn’t agree more.
We are led by Musical Director, Choirmaster and Actor, Stefan Bednarczyk.
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 Royal Theatrical Fund & Actors Trust Choir dates for 2026: Wednesday 11th February, 25th February, 11th March, 25th March, 8th April, 22nd April, 6th May, 20th May, 3rd June, 17th June, 1st July, 15th July, 29th July, 12th August, 26th August, 9th September, 23rd September, 7th October, 21st October, 4th November, 18th November, 2nd December.

The Royal Theatrical Fund’s Carol Service

The Royal Theatrical Fund’s Carol Service
Friday 5th December – 6pm
Tickets £30.00
The Royal Theatrical Fund is delighted to be returning to the Actors Church with their annual Carol Service.
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. Guests TBD
With special performances from The RTF and AT choir, and the London Show Choir.
Please note there is no set seating or this event.
Christmas Carol Concert – 2024
Last year’s cast included, Samantha Bond, Ginny Holder, Jeremy Irons, Robert Lindsay, Elaine Paige OBE and Sophie Thompson. The service was led by Rev. Richard Syms, with special performances from The RTF and ABF choir, and the London Show Choir.
We would like to thank everybody who gave their time on the evening and what an evening it was.
Christmas Carol Concert – Friday 6th December, 6pm
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 1934 – 2024
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.
In Memory of June Rose
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.
Join the Choir!
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

Congratulations Sharon Lomas MBE
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.










