Maxine Peake leads the cast of How to Hold Your Breath

It has been announced that Maxine Peake will lead the cast of the Royal Court Theatre's upcoming production of How to Hold Your Breath which runs at the west London venue from 4 February to 21 March 2015, with an official opening on 10 February 2015.

The production, which is written by Zinnie Harris, will be directed by the Royal Court's Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone and will play at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs.

Maxine Peake is known for her roles onstage and screen, such as 'Silk', 'The Village', 'The Street' and 'Shameless'. Her theatre credits include 'Mother Theresa is Dead' at The Royal Court, 'The Cherry Orchard', 'The Relapse' and 'Luther' all at The National Theatre and most recently, a re-imagining of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' at Manchester Royal Exchange.

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

It will feature stage designs by Chloe Lamford, lighting by Paul Constable, music by Stuart Earl and movement by Ann Yee.

Full casting for the production is yet to be announced.