THERE is no doubt that Bolton-based actor Maxine Peake likes to challenge herself.

She won critically acclaimed reviews for taking on one of theatre’s greatest male roles Hamlet at the Royal Exchange Theatre, a stage she returns to as Winnie in Samuel Beckett’s’ epic and relevant masterpiece Happy Days.

This time the former pupil at Westhoughton High School takes on the role of enigmatic heroin , Winnie, in artistic director, Sarah Frankcom’s fresh production of the 20th century life-affirming play.

"Happy days is a beautiful play, it’s really poetic and I love Winnie, I love her ordinariness – despite the fact that she is buried up to her waist – she’ll still put on her lipstick every day without fail.

"Winnie is a challenge, but that’s what’s exciting, Sarah and I always say that we won’t do something unless it scares the pants off us – and this is scary.

"With Beckett every word counts, it’s there for a reason so I need to make sure I get it right. I think the play is about the resilience of people, of women in particular and how we can carry on regardless – even when she is buried up to her neck she still goes on — I think its about keeping hope alive," said Maxine.

The star of BBC’s Silk, and more recently an episode of the hit series Black Mirror is an associate artist at the Royal Exchange.

Her most recent work there includes A Streetcar Named Desire, The Skriker, and Hamlet all of which were created in partnership with director Sarah. Her writing credits include: The Last Testament Of Lillian Bilocca; Beryl and Queens Of The Coal Age.

Her film Funny Cow, will be out in cinemas this month and Maxine is also starring in Mike Leigh’s latest film Peterloo. Film credits also include The Theory of Everything and The Falling. Her television credits also include Three Girls and The Village.

Beckett's play puts Winnie is at the centre of a land-filled mound, staying put and seeing all. She punctuates her days with reassuring rituals that elevate her mood and bring optimism to this stark, unyielding landscape. Her mirror, spectacles, and toothbrush all conjure memories and snatches of ancient conversation; a long-forgotten world projected on to life’s detritus. For Winnie, this is going to be a happy day, armed with her lipstick —and a gun.

A spokesman for the theatre said: “This life-affirming twentieth century classic continues to interrogate the complexity of our rapidly changing world, from our everyday struggles to the epic issues of humanity, making this existential masterpiece as relevant as ever.”

David Crellin joins Maxine on stage in the role of Willie. He returns to the Royal Exchange theatre following his roles in The Mighty Walzer, Hunger For Trade and Saturday Night, Sunday Morning.

The play runs in the Theatre from May 25 to June 23