Maxine Peake returns to Royal Court in How to Hold Your Breath

Maxine Peake will return to the Royal Court next year to appear in Zinnie Harris' new play How to Hold Your Breath.

The production, directed by the Royal Court's artistic director Vicky Featherstone, premieres on 4 February 2015 in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs.

Well known for her roles in TV dramas such as Silk, The Village, The Street and Shameless, Peake's extensive theatre credits also include Mother Theresa is Dead at the Royal Court, The Cherry Orchard, The Relapse and Luther all at the National Theatre and, most recently, Hamlet at Manchester's Royal Exchange.

Starting with a seemingly innocent one night stand, Zinnie Harris' "darkly witty and magical play" dives into recent European history, providing an "epic look at the true cost of our principles and how we live now".

The production is designed by Chloe Lamford, with lighting by Paul Constable, music by Stuart Earl and movement by Ann Yee.