Liverpool City Council has funded work on the building’s external fabric, including conservation repairs, rendering and painting the main elevations, and upgrading the external lighting.

The Playhouse was designated a Grade II-listed building by English Heritage for both its 19^th-century auditorium and 20^th-century front of house extension.

Kiera Vogel, managing director at Senate (Construction Services), said: “Senate Group relished the opportunity of working on such an iconic building in our home city.

“The upgrades have made a real difference, bringing the exterior of the Playhouse back to its former glory.

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“We look forward to seeing how Williamson Square will develop following on from the launch of the public consultation.”

The restoration was supported by project manager Through & Around, quantity surveyor Modero, conservation engineer Blackett-Ord Conservation and architects Haworth Tompkins.

Deborah Aydon, executive director at the Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust Limited, added: “Not only has the restoration work been carried out to a high standard, we have new features which are a great improvement, such as the new neon sign which increases the Playhouse’s visibility and will help attract and guide new audience members to the theatre, and the fabulous new lighting which really brings the building alive at night and means we can be as creative with lighting here as we can at the Everyman.

“Internally, risks have been reduced via the expert work on the safety curtains, and we look forward to audiences reaping the rewards of the improved acoustic in the auditorium.”