Dame Imelda Staunton and Sir Ian McKellen lend support; new ambassadors include Paul Chahidi, Celia Imrie and Danny Sapani
The Actors’ Benevolent Fund, a charity that has been providing grants to support actors and stage management professionals since 1882, has announced that it is rebranding to Actors’ Trust, and expanding its support services.
The renaming comes out of a survey to members that asked the charity to focus more on raising awareness of its activities.
Actors’ Trust plans to expand its range of services to better support industry professionals against the challenges they face.
The charity was founded by theatrical luminary Sir Henry Irving in 1882.
A separate survey of almost 5000 industry professionals revealed three-quarters were unfamiliar with the services offered by the charity, despite almost three quarters saying they had experienced mental health and wellbeing challenges over the past year.
Another survey of arts professionals this year, the Big Freelancers Survey 2025, found that of the 1,200 freelancers polled who work predominantly in theatre, 44% were earning less than the National Living Wage.
New services being introduced include mental health support, as well as preventative initiatives in the social, financial, career and health spaces. The charity has also announced an extension to its grants, meaning it will now offer financial support to actors and stage management professionals in all situations where they are ‘unable to work for reasons outside of their control’, such as major life events.
Now, under its ‘Acting for Impact’ strategy which launched last year, the charity is aiming to help more actors and stage management professionals in more ways. The charity said in a press statement that the new repositioning is “the next phase of this strategy, to achieve meaningful and sustainable change.”
The charity already spends over £1m each year helping industry professionals working across sound, stage and screen.
The Actors’ Trust is supported by its Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, and its ambassadors include Ruth Jones, Christopher Eccleston, and Maxine Peake. It has also announced today three new ambassadors, with Danny Sapani, Paul Chahidi and Celia Imrie joining the organisation.
The charity has undergone a turbulent few years, with a dispute between several long-standing board members, including Dame Penelope Keith, who were ejected from the council in February 2022.
Alison Wyman, CEO of Actors’ Trust, said in a statement: “Circumstances are extremely challenging for those in the industry – we’re seeing this in data and we’re hearing it anecdotally from our members. We also heard from our research among members, beneficiaries and supporters that only 28% felt the charity was well known within the industry and that we need to do more to extend our reach. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been proud to stand alongside those who bring stories to life on stage and screen. For this legacy to endure, we need to listen to those who we are trying to support, to continue to provide meaningful help exactly where and when it is needed.”
Alex Macqueen, Chair of Actors’ Trust, said: “These changes are a commitment to strengthening the impact of the charity for years to come – a modern evolution that reflects the needs of the industry today and supports our ‘Acting for Impact’ strategy, to help more people across our industry than ever before. We know that at any stage of one’s career there may be times when the show can’t always go on and so our message is simple – we’re here for you.”
Among those supporting the charity is five-time Olivier award-winner, BAFTA award-winner and Oscar-nominated actress, Dame Imelda Staunton (Hello, Dolly; The Crown).
Imelda Staunton said in a statement: “In an unpredictable industry like ours, illness, injury, mental or emotional stress can make life precarious for actors and stage managers. Thankfully Actors’ Trust is there to provide a much-needed safety net for our community and I am proud to support them.”
Another high-profile supporter, Sir Ian McKellen, said: “For nearly 150 years, Actors’ Trust has stood proudly alongside those who bring stories to life on stage and screen. This next chapter is about continuing that legacy and making sure more people know help is out there when they need it.”
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