First look photos and trailer released for Sheridan Smith's new BBC drama The Cage
Michael Socha and Barry Sloane will also feature
With shows such as I Fought The Law, Cilla and The Teacher to her name, it's safe to say British actress Sheridan Smith is one of the most sought-after actresses when it comes to TV dramas.
BBC bosses have now announced the next addition to her CV, in the form of a new drama called The Cage, which is written and created by BAFTA nominated Tony Schumacher (The Responder).
What is The Cage about?
Featuring Sheridan Smith alongside Showtrial actor Michael Socha, 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.
The BBC has now revealed an early plot line, saying of the new series: 'When Leanne and Matty discover they are both robbing from the safe at the inner-city 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. The five-part thrilling characterful drama will be directed by Al Mackay (Kidnapped, Without Sin) and shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside.
Creator Tony Schumacher says: “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.”
Watch the trailer below:
When is it out?
It's now been confirmed The Cage will on Sunday 26th April at 9pm.
First look photos for the new series were released on Tuesday 21st April, check them out below:
The Cage first look
Who is in the cast?
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin & Stacey, and The Moorside actress Sheridan Smith will play the leading role of Leanne, with Michael Socha alongside her as Matty.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “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.”
Christopher Aird and Hilary Martin, Element Pictures and Fremantle executive producers, say: “We’re excited to be producing Tony’s unique drama for the BBC. Tony writes characters from the heart that break your heart, and we’re thrilled Sheridan and Michael are going to be playing Leanne and Matty. The Cage is a crime show, a show about family and a love story of sorts. It is by turns funny, poignant, thrilling, and sad; we know Al Mackay will bring his love of real-world characters to tell Tony’s story with verve and energy.”
Check out the full cast list below:
Sheridan Smith as Leanne
Michael Socha as Matty
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
How many episodes?
The new series will be made up of five episodes.
What channel is it on?
The Cage will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Where was it filmed?
The upcoming series was shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside in early 2025.
Now read:
Filming wraps for This City Is Ours series two
Filming begins for Line of Duty series 7
Sheridan Smith leads ITV’s new Aussie thriller Two Birds