A NEW play by Maxine Peake will be premiered next year in Manchester.

The Bolton actress’ stage play forms part of the Royal Exchange’s new spring and summer season for 2018.

Queens of the Coal Age is the first play she has written for the city centre theatre.

It follows four ordinary women down the Parkside Colliery pit as they make a stand for each other and their way of life.

Based on a true story, it will be directed by Bryony Shanahan.

The Exchange describes the play as a ‘sharp and witty’ tale about ordinary women and extraordinary action.

It is set in 1993 and sees them descend into the soon-to-be-closed Parkside Colliery and refuse to come up, in a bid to save it.

It will run as a co-production with the New Vic Theatre from June 28 to July 21 next year.

The former Westhoughton High student, who grew up in Hulton Lane, will also be appearing on the Exchange stage when she stars in Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days as ‘everywoman’ Winnie.

The production will run from May 25 to June 23. Visit royalexchange.co.uk.