The Drury Lane Theatrical Fund (DLTF) is a benevolent fund for established in 1766 by members of the Theatre Royal in London, England, "for the relief and support of such performers and other persons belonging to the said theater, as, through age, infirmity, or accident, should be obliged to retire from the Stage".Drury Lane Theatre. Decayed actors; fund. Petition of certain persons ... comedians at Drury Lane
, House of Commons Committee report, 13 February 1776 The fund was established by John Johnstone,

David Garrick David Garrick (19 February 1717 – 20 January 1779) was an English actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer who influenced nearly all aspects of European theatrical practice throughout the 18th century, and was a pupil and friend of Sa ...

and others, and received benefactions, such as from Sarah Harlowe, subscriptions from performers, and the proceeds of benefit plays. By 1776, it had a capital base of £3,400, and owned a house situated in Drury Lane, let at a yearly rent of £50. The fund was established as a charity by the Drury Lane Theatre Act 1776. The fund continues into the 21st century;

Graham Bickley Graham John Bickley (born 18 May 1958) is an English actor and singer. He is best known for playing the role of Joey Boswell in '' Bread'' from 1989 until 1991, taking over from Peter Howitt, who played him from 1986 until 1989. Early life Bi ...

is a director; previous officeholders include

John Pritt Harley John Pritt Harley (February 1786 – 22 August 1858) was an English actor known for his comic acting and singing. Early years Harley was the son of John Harley, a draper and silk mercer, and his wife Elizabeth. He was baptised in the parish ch ...

and

Edmund Kean Edmund Kean (4 November 178715 May 1833) was a celebrated British Shakespearean stage actor born in England, who performed, among other places, in London, Belfast, New York, Quebec, and Paris. He was known for his short stature, tumultuo ...

. Amongst its pensioners have been: *

Esther Brand Esther Cornelia Brand (née van Heerden; 29 September 1922 – 20 June 2015) was a South African athlete. She competed at the 1952 Summer Olympics and won a gold medal in the high jump, placed 20th in the discus throw. She was the first Africa ...

Joseph Grimaldi Joseph Grimaldi (18 December 1778 – 31 May 1837) was an English actor, comedian and dancer, who became the most popular English entertainer of the Regency era.Byrne, Eugene"The patient" Historyextra.com, 13 April 2012 In the early 1800s, ...

* Sarah Harlowe

References

External links

Drury Lane Theatrical Fund website
*{{EW charity, 209046 Organisations based in the City of Westminster Charities based in London

See also

References

External links