In 1981, Princess Grace wanted to revive comedy theatre in Monaco. It was due to this wish that Prince Rainier III inaugurated this new theatre, formerly named the Fine Arts Theatre.
In 1930, the Société des Bains de Mer launched the construction of a complex combining cinema with theatre. When it was inaugurated in 1932, the Théâtre des Beaux-Arts combined a very sober art deco style with a complete and modern equipment. René Blum, then director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, was entrusted with running the theatre and put together a season of English comedies. But as early as 1936, Marcel Sablon proposed a more classical programme of plays in French. On the stage, Jean Debucourt, Lucien Callamand, Jean Worms, Madeleine Renaud or Edwige Feuillère in creations by Roger Martin du Gard, Sacha Guitry, Louis Verneuil, Marcel Pagnol… As well as great names in song such as Édith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier or Marcel Mouloudji.
In accordance with Princess Grace’s wish to revive comedy theatre in the Principality, Prince Rainier III restored the former Fine Arts Theatre. Subsequently, the Princess completely redesigned the interior decoration of the Theatre. She also took care to improve the acoustics and the working conditions for the actors by having comfortable and functional dressing rooms fitted out. It was not until 17 December 1981 that the new Theatre, taking the Princess’ name, was inaugurated.
More than thirty years later, the stage of the Princess Grace Theatre no longer only welcomes the biggest names, but also gives young talents a chance. With the establishment now mainly focusing on dramatics, the Princess Grace Theatre is a recognised and esteemed stage. It contributes to the cultural influence of the Principality.
