1982: 21st Season

In 1982 Chichester Festival Theatre celebrated its 21st season with a number of events alongside the Festival season including a special gala concert with Princess Grace of Monaco (Grace Kelly) on 16 March.

A close personal friend of Artistic Director Patrick Garland, the Princess read poetry and prose with actor John Westbrook on stage, before greeting members of staff in the foyer. Sadly this may well have been her last performance before her death in September that same year. Head of Stage Karl Meier remembers the day well: "To this day she is still the most beautiful and gracious woman I have ever met. We all fell a little (lot) in love with her that day."

Explore some of the celebrations below, including the season press release and a special edition of 'Chichester Festival Theatre News'.