While there he met fellow students Casper Wrede and Richard Negri (co-founders of the Royal Exchange 25 years later).

Maxwell adapted Daniel Deronda; directed by Elliott and starring Vanessa Redgrave it was subsequently televised.

He also directed Arms and the Man with Tom Courtenay, Jenny Agutter and Brian Cox in 1973.

As well as acting in many productions over the course of 20 years, he adapted several novels including The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice and The Moonstone.

He played General-Major von Wittke in an episode of Enemy at the Door titled "Treason" (ep.

He was also seen in the films Private Potter (1962), The Evil of Frankenstein (1964), Otley (1968) and One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (1970).