Maxine Peake to receive award for outstanding contribution to British theatre

Maxine Peake will be awarded the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre at the UK Theatre Awards this year.

The actress will be presented with the award by the Royal Exchange's Sarah Frankcom at the Guildhall Theatre on the 14 October.

The award is in recognition of her work as a champion of regional theatre and as a supporter of female and working class voices. Her contribution to cultural life in her home region – she was born in Bolton – is also recognised.

Peake said: "I feel very honoured to be recognised by the UK Theatre Awards. I see this award as a great platform to make some noise about the value of British theatre in all its forms, especially outside of the capital, and the importance of keeping it alive and thriving. I wouldn't be where I am today without early involvement in wonderful theatres like the Bolton Octagon, West Yorkshire Playhouse and obviously, the Royal Exchange Manchester.

"We need to make sure young people, wherever they reside in the UK, can still gain access to these theatres and the vital opportunities they provide."

Peake's recent work includes A Streetcar Named Desire, The Skriker and Happy Days. Her play Beryl, about the professional cyclist Beryl Burton, was adapted for radio and the stage and is being developed into a film. Previous winners of the award include Lyn Gardner and Ian McKellen.

The full list of nominees for the UK Theatre Awards were announced in September.