From the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre's opening as the Repertory in 1911, changing to its current title in 1916, through to the latest run of Roger McGough's adaptation of Tartuffe in September of this year, Ros Merkin employs all of her vast knowledge and exemplary research skills in conveying not only the high points but also the dark days of one of the north-west's premier venues. She does this with such clarity that it is almost as though those quoted past and present are actually being interviewed solely for this volume.

And there is no shortage of stars whose hopes and fears are represented, which is of little surprise given the abundance of talent that has emerged from the theatre in its time – a list too long to write here, resulting in the recording of a changing shape of theatre across the age. This is best illustrated, quite literally, by the myriad of fine-quality photographs, diagrams, sketches and biographies which illuminate almost every page. These materials support the many achievements of this famous building and its many ensembles, writers, directors and producers and further emphasize the Playhouse's place in Liverpool's cultural heritage.

If there is one problem with the work, however, it lies in the fact the impact the theatre has had on its audiences is a little understated, for its influence has indeed been immense. True, those who have been inspired to act, write or indeed hold any of the positions a successful theatre demands in order to run for a hundred years feature extensively. However, those who pay to watch what is being performed seem to have been almost entirely overlooked, which is a great shame, given that without an audience even the greatest production is rendered superfluous.

This said, however, Liverpool Playhouse: A Theatre & Its City remains a fine and important work that should be enjoyed by experts and enthusiasts alike.