MAXINE Peake is to curate a series of monologues as part of The Old Vic theatre's 200th birthday celebrations.

The former Westhoughton High School and Canon Slade student is one of a number of celebrities who have been named as bicentenary ambassadors of the London theatre.

The actor will curate One Hand Tied Behind Us to mark International Women's Day and the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act of 1918

Former Bolton School pupil Sir Ian McKellen will also be involved along with Dame Judi Dench, Dame Julie Walters and Sir Ben Kingsley.

The ambassadors will curate monologues, share their reflections on the theatre and attend special events to celebrate the anniversary.