MAXINE Peake’s witty and charming debut play Beryl embarks on a UK tour this month, starting at Hull Truck Theatre.

Originally written for Radio 4 in 2012 and adapted for last year’s critically-acclaimed world premiere at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the play looks back at Beryl Burton’s extraordinary sporting achievements and no-nonsense attitude to life.

It was 1954 when Beryl Charnock met keen cyclist Charlie Burton. Once Beryl joined Charlie’s cycling club, she was smitten, not only with Charlie but by the thrill and freedom she found on her bike. She would overtake the other cyclists on the road, out-work the men in the rhubarb fields and still have time to knit her daughter cycling-themed jumpers.

With her husband, daughter and cycling club at her side she competed in British and international championships, setting a staggering 50 national records. She won the British Best All-Rounder Competition for 25 consecutive years and a 12-hour speed world record in 1967, which still stands today. With a determination to be the best, she always cycled home a hero.

Rebecca Gatward directs the play with Samantha Power (Coronation Street, Holby City, Little Britain) in the title role. The cast also features Rebecca Ryan, who performed in Hull Truck Theatre’s production of A Taste of Honey in 2013 and played Debbie Gallagher in Channel 4 series Shameless. Other cast members are yet to be confirmed.

Beryl’s daughter Denise Burton-Cole welcomes the production’s revival, saying, “We are thrilled as it’s an outstanding play and it’s great that more people will see it.”

Beryl is at the Hull Truck Theatre from Thursday, September 17 to Saturday, September 19. Tickets are available from the box office on 01482 323638 or go to hulltruck.co.uk