Picture this, it’s 1882, gaslight flickers across Victorian stages, but backstage there are actors struggling in the shadows. No safety net, no welfare state, no second chances, just poverty when the curtain falls for good.
This was the world Sir Henry Irving saw all around him, and he found it profoundly unfair. So, he did something revolutionary – he founded a charity for actors and those in stage management called the Actors’ Benevolent Fund.
Irving became the first actor ever to receive a knighthood, and made an enormous contribution to the creative community he cared so much about.
Fast-forward to today and the worlds of acting and stage management might have changed, but the need has not. That’s why our doors are still open nearly 150 years later.
In 2025, we changed our working name to Actors’ Trust (previously the Actors’ Benevolent Fund).
From Knights to Pandemic Heroes: How We’ve Shaped an Industry
We’ve always been pioneers. From the very beginning, we’ve spotted what the industry needed and stepped up, whether that was helping war widows, supporting children of actors, or responding to modern crises like the pandemic.
Here’s how we’ve managed to evolve to meet the challenges of each era:
By 1897, we’d already provided for orphans of actorsActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives. Recognising the unique challenges facing theatrical families, Sir Henry Irving set up a fund dedicated to helping the children of actors.
During both world wars, we set up special emergency committeesActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives. These gave grants to actors affected by the conflicts, and, sadly (in many cases) their widowsActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives. We understood that when the nation needed entertainment most, our industry professionals were making sacrifices too.
We’ve had influential women in leadership positions since our early years, when that was far from commonplace in the sector.
Our Committee Attendance Book from 1913-1914 includes the signatures of three remarkable women at a War Emergency Meeting: Lilian Braithwaite, Lena Ashwell and Irene VanbrughActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives. By March 1928, we formally agreed that “ladies be asked to serve on the Committee”, starting with Dame May Whitty, Eva Moore and Lillian BraithwaiteActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives.
Sir Henry Irving used his celebrity privilege and influence to stage spectacular fundraising events. The first benefit at Drury Lane Theatre Royal in 1883 featured excerpts from Iolanthe and The Merchant of Venice, starring Irving himself alongside his renowned leading lady, Ellen TerryActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives.
By 1894, we were giving allowances, helping over 12,000 applicantsActors’ Benevolent Fund Archives.
Fast-forward to 2009: We staged a special fundraising matinee of Waiting for Godot with an outstanding cast including Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ronald Pickup and Simon Callow. The benefit was a sellout success, with Sir Ian speaking passionately about our work and generously donating proceeds from his picture sales.
When the UK went into lockdown, we acted immediately, launching our emergency grant the same day. We knew our industry would be among those to be hit first and hardest.
Our Pandemic Response:
- 2020: Emergency Grant £107,675
- 2021: Emergency Grant £436,050
- 2022: Emergency Grant £122,970
Cost of Living Support:
- 2023: £240,155 in cost of living grants
- 2024: £198,356 in cost of living grants
Our Commitment Today
Today, we’re building on that bold and pioneering spirit. Society has changed dramatically since we were founded in 1882, and we have to keep adapting to stay relevant and maximise our impact.
We’re now delighted to roll out our new Acting for Impact strategy, developed from extensive industry research. The findings are clear: financial difficulties and mental health challenges are the two biggest areas of need. Our members have told us their priorities include raising awareness, helping more people, broadening our support range, and developing fundraising.
Over the next few years, we’re focusing on reaching more people and developing activities with the greatest impact. Grant-making remains central to what we do, but we’re also introducing proactive initiatives like webinars, workshops, community events and digital resources, all focused on prevention.
We want Actors’ Trust to be a place of community and belonging, reaching people who truly represent our diverse industry.
The Powerhouses Behind Our Story
We wouldn’t be here without the extraordinary people who’ve championed our cause. From royalty to legends of stage and screen, our supporters have always understood that great art needs great people, and great people sometimes need help.
Royal Patronage: A Legacy of Support
We’ve enjoyed Royal Patronage since the early 1930s. Four monarchs have recognised the vital role our industry plays in British culture including Their Majesties:
- King Edward VIII (1931-1936) – The Prince of Wales who became king
- King George VI (1937-1952) – The king who saw us through the war years
- Queen Elizabeth II (1952-1999) – Who provided nearly five decades of unwavering support
- King Charles III (2000-Present) – 25 years and counting of passionate advocacy
King Charles III doesn’t just lend his name to Actors’ Trust, he truly champions our industry. During the pandemic’s darkest days, when theatres sat empty and film sets fell silent, His Majesty recorded a heartfelt poem supporting our emergency appeal
Royal support in action: Watch His Majesty’s message
Presidents: The Legends Who Led Us
From Sir Henry Irving onwards, generation-defining actors have shaped our story. Each brought their own star power and vision:
- Sir Henry Irving – Our revolutionary founder
- Sir Charles Wyndham & Lady Wyndham – The power couple of Edwardian theatre
- Mary Moore – Actress and pioneering female leader
- Sir Gerald du Maurier – The matinee idol who modernised British acting
- Charles B. Cochran – The showman who brought glamour to variety
- Sir John Gielgud – One third of the celebrated theatrical trinity with Lord Olivier and Ralph Richardson and part of the Terry family dynasty
- Lord Laurence Olivier – The legendary actor whose storied career included three Academy Awards and leadership of the National Theatre
- Dame Penelope Keith – A renowned actor who contributed substantially to building the charity’s assets
- Dr. Eshwar Alladi – An NHS doctor and talented actor from Manchester, who helped pioneer our emergency grants and oversaw an increase in people being supported
Each president used their influence to grow our reach and open doors.
Members: The Heart of Everything We Do
Back in our early days, the founders had a bold idea: tax every actor “one penny in the pound” to fund our work.Actors’ Benevolent Fund Archives
The response? A resounding “absolutely not!”
So, we pivoted to something better, a voluntary community where industry professionals support each other because they want to, not because they have to. That spirit of willing solidarity has sustained us ever since.
Today, our members include Simon Callow CBE, Peter Forbes, Lesley Joseph, Alex Macqueen, Michael Maloney, Patrick O’Kane and Rob Rinder MBE who prove that giving back never goes out of style.
Become a member and join a community that’s been looking out for each other since 1882.
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Times are tough, but together we’re tougher. Your support helps us catch people when they fall and get them back on their feet.
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The greatest gift isn’t applause, it’s knowing your contribution will echo through generations of performers yet to come.