BBC reveal more details on ‘The Cage’

Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha are joined by Barry Sloane, Geraldine James and more in high-stakes drama…

The Beeb has announced further casting for new drama The Cage, written and created by Tony Schumacher. When Leanne (Sheridan Smith) and Matty (Michael Socha) discover they are both robbing from the safe at the casino they work in, their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama:

“The Cage is character-driven, hugely entertaining and full of heart, and I’m delighted that Tony has chosen the BBC to be the home of his second series following on from the success of The Responder. With Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha leading the cast, Al Mackay directing and the team at Element Pictures producing, viewers are in for a treat.”

The five-part thrilling characterful drama is directed by Al Mackay and shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside.

Sheridan Smith in The Cage for BBC One

Michael Socha in The Cage for BBC One

The Cage is a high-stakes, high energy crime story set within the world of a Liverpool Casino with two unforgettable characters at its heart.

Joining Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha are Barry Sloane as Gary, Geraldine James as Nancy, Anton Bibby as Thomas, Freya Jones as Emily, Sophie Mensah  as Fen, Abby Mavers as Kelly, Shaun Mason as Alan, Louis Emerick as Paul, Ian Puleston Davies as Vincent, Julia Papp as Irina, Katy Carmichael as DCI Hannigan, Dave Hart as Danny, Eileen O’Brien as Nanna, Eithne Browne as Annie, Mona Goodwin as Trace.

Tony Schumacher:

“Coming back to the BBC with my second major show and being able to work with such talents as Sheridan, Michael and the teams at Element Pictures and the BBC is such an honour. On top of that, having a director of Al’s calibre really is the cherry on the big Liverpool drama cake we’re baking together. I’m hoping people will find it funny, dark, but most of all full of love, life and entertainment and I can’t wait for the world to see it.”

The Cage is an Element Pictures (a Fremantle company) production.

Michael Socha in The Cage for BBC One

Sheridan Smith in The Cage for BBC One