BBC's new drama series The Cage has arrived, featuring a star-studded cast with familiar faces from hit TV shows and films. Created by The Responder writer Tony Schumacher, the five-part series premiered today (Sunday, 26th April) and was filmed on location in Liverpool.
Plot Overview
The story follows two casino workers who are desperately trying to stay afloat financially by stealing cash from the safe. One is saving for a house, while the other is feeding a gambling addiction. However, they soon discover that both have had the same dangerous idea, putting them on a collision course with the casino's owner — a local gangster.
All five episodes of The Cage are now available on BBC iPlayer, and the show airs weekly on BBC One at 9pm on Sundays.
Main Cast
Sheridan Smith as Leanne Chapel
Sheridan Smith leads the series as Leanne Chapel. Known for her roles in No Return, I Fought the Law, and beloved sitcoms such as Gavin & Stacey, The Royle Family, and Benidorm, Smith brings her trademark intensity to the role.
Michael Socha as Matty Flynn
Michael Socha stars opposite Smith as Matty Flynn. He is best known for his compelling portrayal of Harvey in Shane Meadows' This Is England film and its TV series. Socha has also taken on prominent roles in Being Human and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.
Barry Sloane as Gary Packer
Barry Sloane plays gangster Gary Packer. The Liverpool-born actor is familiar from military drama Six and crime series The Bay, and is also recognised for his recurring role in Netflix's The Sandman. He is set to appear in the highly anticipated third season of HBO's House of the Dragon.
Geraldine James as Nancy
Geraldine James portrays Gary's mother, Nancy. The celebrated actress has starred as Queen Mary in the 2019 Downton Abbey film and featured in major streaming productions such as Anne With an E and Silo.
Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning
Sophie Mensah takes on the role of DS Fen Ning, who investigates the casino's suspected criminal activity. Mensah has previously appeared in Welsh-language soap Pobol y Cwm and made her Hollyoaks debut last year.
Freya Jones as Emily and Antony Bibby as Thomas
Freya Jones plays Matty's daughter Emily, while Antony Bibby portrays Leanne's son Thomas. Jones' previous credits include Half Way Down and Bolan's Shoes, while Bibby made his screen debut in an episode of Liverpool Narcos.
Supporting Cast
- Abby Mavers as Kelly
- Shaun Mason as Alan
- Louis Emerick as Paul
- Sue Jenkins as Shelagh
- Ian Puleston-Davies as Vincent
- Julia Papp as Irina
- Katy Carmichael as DCI Hannigan
- Isobel Khan as Paige
- Gemma Barraclough as Jade
- Dave Hart as Danny
- Eileen O'Brien as Nanna
- Eithne Browne as Annie
- Mona Goodwin as Trace
- Rose McDermott as Ruby
The Cage is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and airs Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.
