BOLTON actress Maxine Peake will play a menacing shape-shifter in a play which blends an ancient fairy story with a portrait of broken England.

She will take the title role in The Skriker — Caryl Churchill's 1994 play of an extraordinary creature who pursues and entraps two sisters in a fractured world.

It is just one of the productions to be revealed as part of the programme for this summer's Manchester International Festival.

Other highlights include new musical Wonder.land, with music by Blur's Damon Alburn, a free event with singer-songwriter FKA Twigs creating seven short films, Paris Opera Ballet teaming up with musician Jamie xx, Brooklyn-based dance group FlexN and Icelandic singer Björk performing her new album.

In the Festival Square — based in Manchester's Albert Square — Bolton chef Paul Heathcote and his staff will be cooking up a storm and serving picnics, Sunday roasts and late-night snacks.

The Skriker will see the former Westhoughton High School pupil team up with Sarah Frankcom, artistic director of Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, following The Masque of Anarchy in 2013.

Speaking at Thursday's launch at Old Granada Studios, Ms Frankcom said: "The play provides an extraordinary opportunity for an actor."

Maxine said: "I'm really excited to be making work again for the festival and have the opportunity to build on the impact of the last piece we made — The Masque of Anarchy."

The festival will take place at various locations across Manchester, from July 2 to 19, including Richter/ Pärt at The Whitworth Art Gallery, Neck of the Woods at HOME, Warehouse Project club nights at Mayfield Depot and, for younger visitors, The Tale of Mr Tumble at the Opera House.

Prestwich chef Mary-Ellen McTague will create a magical food event at the Manchester Museum to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 1pm on Friday, visit mif.co.uk.