Felicity Kendal, Nicholas Le Prevost and Jasper Britton – about to play versions of the late playwright in a new stage adaptation of his memoir "The Last Cigarette," beginning performances at Chichester's Minerva Theatre March 11 — are among those whose associations with the playwright that continue to the present day will be on view.

Other leading actors set to appear include Toby Stephens (who starred with Britton in Gray's Japes at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket), Simon Callow (The Holy Terror at the Duke of York's), Rik Mayall and Simon Ward (Cell Mates at the Albery, now the Coward), Edward Fox and Clive Francis (both in the original production of Quartermaine's Terms at the Queens, and Fox also did The Old Masters at the Comedy) and Peter Bowles (The Old Masters at the Comedy Theatre).

Also on the bill are Michael Gambon, Anthony Head, Hugh Whitemore, Kevin McNally, John Stranding, Benedick Bates (whose father, the late Alan, starred in such Gray plays as Butley, Otherwise Engaged and Melon), Celia Imrie, James Fleet, Monica Dolan, Janie Dee, Robert Portal and Christopher Timothy.

The event is produced by actor-turned-director Harry Burton, who last year staged a regional touring revival of Gray's Quatermaine's Terms.

Some tickets are available to the public and can be obtained by calling 0870 060 6637, with the £10 ticket price helping to cover costs.