RADA-trained Boltonian Maxine Peake got her big break when she was cast as Twinkle in Victoria Wood’s TV series Dinnerladies. Her great versatility on stage and screen has led to a wide variety of theatre, film and TV roles ranging in scope from Chekov to Clocking Off. Probably most famous (or should that be infamous?) for her portrayal of the once-encountered-never-forgotten Veronica in Channel 4’s top-rated series Shameless.

 

What was your first/best experience of going to a gallery or museum?

Going to the Egyptology section at Bolton Museum from school.

 

What’s your favourite painting/piece of art/sculpture?

B of the Bang, by Thomas Hetherwick at the City of Manchester Stadium

 

What was your first/best experience of going to the theatre?
Streetcar Named Desire at the Octagon theatre in Bolton with Susannah Yorke as Blanche.

 

Do you have a favourite Northwest pub or restaurant? If so, what’s special about it?
I’d have to say South nightclub in Manchester on a Friday night. Great music and a fresh atmosphere.

 

Do you have a favourite Northwest local food?
Flaky pastry

 

Can you suggest a ‘hidden gem’ in your home town/neighbourhood?
The Japanese Gardens at Rivington Pike, near Bolton

 

What’s the one thing in your home town/neighbourhood that people really shouldn’t miss if they go there?
As above

 

Was there anything particular about Northwest culture that inspired you to do what you’ve done/what you do now?
The music scene in the late 80s or early 90s

 

Blue Monday or Happy Monday?
Happy Monday

 

Bunny Men or Diddy Men?
Bunny Men

 

Morrissey or McCartney?
Morrissey

 

Peter Blake or Peter Saville?
Peter Saville

 

Beatrix Potter or Brian Potter?
Beatrix Potter

 

Welcome to the Pleasure Beach or Welcome to the Pleasure Dome?
Pleasure Dome!

 

Eccles Cake or Kendal Mint Cake?
Eccles Cake

My Northwest

"Theres something about the North that makes poets and novelists of us"

Howard Jacobson

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