A BOLTON radio producer went behind the scenes to capture Maxine Peake’s journey as she prepared to play the iconic role of Hamlet.

Lizzie Foster, who lived in Belmont as a child before moving to Egerton, is the producer of Hamlet Undressed which airs on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday.

Bolton star Maxine is playing the title role in William Shakespeare’s play of murder and madness at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre until October 25.

Ms Foster said: “I interviewed her at various points over the summer, right from the beginning.

“I started in about June with the first research session which I sat in on and recorded.

"It’s basically trying to track her journey and following her through it, looking at the preparation that goes into all of it.”

The documentary gives listeners a glimpse into what goes on behind closed doors, such as the research and language sessions, as well as the physical preparation including sword fighting workshops.

Ms Foster, aged 43, who attended the Octagon’s youth theatre, as well as Bolton Little Theatre as a youngster, has completed the arduous task of cutting down hours of audio recordings to just 27-and-a-half minutes.

Ms Foster said: “It’s really to document how she arrived at this landmark part. I think it’s a great production; it’s one of those landmarks you have to say you have seen.

“I believe it’s a sell-out and people are queuing round the block for tickets.”

Her day-to-day job is an assistant producer on several Radio 4 quizzes, but she also gets the chance to pitch ideas for documentaries.

Ms Foster, who now lives in Tottington and has a daughter and two step-daughters, has worked for the BBC since 1996 and is based at Media City in Salford.

“Maxine is brilliant. She is so down-to-earth and so open and just really easy to work with and lovely.”

Hamlet Undressed is on BBC Radio 4 at 1.30pm on Sunday.