Liverpool Playhouse centenary – in pictures

Maud Carpenter joined the company in its first, experimental season in 1911 and served as business manager from 1923 until 1962. She was the first woman to join the board, and remained in this role until her death in 1967 Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

Michael Redgrave made his first professional appearance at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1934 and spent two years there, where he met his future wife Rachel Kempson and began the great acting dynasty's long association with the theatre Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

From 1963 to 1967 David Scase became artistic director and presided over a magical period in the history of the Playhouse, enlisting actors who would go on to become household names, such as Patrick Stewart, Warren Clarke and Anthony Hopkins (left) Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

Antony Tuckey succeeded David Scase and continued the tradition of producing quality theatre for the people of Liverpool with productions such as The Bacchae starring Ian McKellen, directed by Tuckey himself Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

William Gaunt spent many years at the Playhouse as an actor, director and artistic director, energising both the main stage and the Playhouse Studio Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

The addition of the Studio in the early 70s allowed brave new work to flourish, such as Watching (pictured), Take My Husband and The Cherry Blossom Tree. The Playhouse has now reopened this crucible for challenging new work Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

Chris Bond, Alan Bleasdale, Willy Russell and Bill Morrison – semi-ironically known as the Gang of Four – gave prominence to writers and new work. One of their great successes at the Playhouse was Blood Brothers. Written by Russell and directed by Bond, it featured George Costigan and Barbara Dickson Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

The Playhouse was thrilled to welcome back Corin Redgrave, who starred in John Osborne's The Entertainer in 2004 Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

2010 saw actor Kim Cattrall return to the city of her birth for Janet Suzman's critically acclaimed production of Antony and Cleopatra Photograph: Liverpool Playhouse

We are delighted that The Ladykillers – adapted by Father Ted's Graham Linehan – is on stage for our centenary. What better way to celebrate 100 years of joy and quality theatre? Photograph: Manuel Harlan/Liverpool Playhouse