Peake was educated at Waterkloof House Preparatory School in Pretoria, St. Martin's School in Johannesburg and at Rhodes University in Makhanda (formerly known as Grahamstown), where he read History and English, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in English.
He worked as a production manager at the Open Space Theatre under Charles Marowitz and Thelma Holt.
In the late 1970s, he lived for a while in Ibiza and taught English, History and Drama at the Morna Valley School.
Since then he has lived in London and Mistley and worked in modelling, acting, film distribution, and as a literary agent.
Writing by South African Gay Men (compiled by Robin Malan and Ashraf Johaardien, Junkets Publisher, Cape Town); Speak My Language, and Other Stories (edited by Torsten Højer, Robinson Publishing), Best British Short Stories 2016 (edited by Nicholas Royle, Salt Publishing) and Queer Life, Queer Love (edited by Matt Bates, Golnoosh Nour, Sarah & Kate Beal, Muswell Press).