Coming from The Responder’s Tony Schumacher, BBC’s new crime series The Cage is on course to be another high-stakes watch that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The five-parter centres on casino workers Leanne (Sheridan Smith) and Matty (Michael Socha) who, for different reasons, need money fast – and turn to the casino in which they work for crucial funds.
When they discover that they’re both robbing their place of work, things only go from bad to worse. As the synopsis teases: “Their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police.”
With Socha and Smith being recognisable faces from many British dramas, the cast of The Cage also includes a few other notable names and rising stars. So, who exactly features in the BBC drama? Read on to find out.
Who stars in The Cage?
The main cast list for The Cage is as follows. Scroll on to find out more about the ensemble, their characters and where you may have seen the actors previously.
- Sheridan Smith as Leanne Chapel
- Michael Socha as Matty Flynn
- Barry Sloane as Gary Packer
- Geraldine James as Nancy Parker
- Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning
- Freya Jones as Emily Flynn
- Anton Bibby as Thomas
- Shaun Mason as Alan
- Ian Puleston-Davies as Vincent
- Eileen O’Brien as Nanna
- Louis Emerick as Paul
- Rose McDermott as Ruby
- Max Ainsworth as Neil
- Julia Papp as Irina
- Abby Mavers as Kelly
- Gemma Barraclough as Jade
Sheridan Smith as Leanne Chapel
Who is Leanne? A single mother who’s also caring for her Nana who has dementia, Leanne works at the casino as a cashier. Her life has never been the same since her husband died but she soon discovers that her and co-worker Matty have a lot more in common than she thought.
Where have I seen Sheridan Smith before? Smith is no stranger to the screen, having had notable roles in sitcoms like The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Gavin & Stacey. As well as a career on stage and in music, Smith has starred in hard-hitting series like I Fought The Law, No Return, The Teacher and Four Lives.
Michael Socha as Matty Flynn
Who is Matty? Matty is the manager of Envoy Casino and is struggling with a lot, including a gambling addiction and mounting debts. With nowhere to turn, Matty looks to the casino’s funds to help with his growing problems and joins forces with Leanne.
Where have I seen Michael Socha before? Socha is best known for his roles in This Is England, its subsequent TV series and sequels. He has also had notable roles in Showtrial, The Gallows Pole, DI Ray, Toxic Town and What It Feels Like for a Girl.
Barry Sloane as Gary Packer
Who is Gary? Gary’s father built up the casino to what it was before his death, but now Gary is involved in more nefarious dealings. He’s someone who thrives being in control but it’s very clear that things are quietly falling apart for this stony-faced character.
Where have I seen Barry Sloane before? Sloane is known for his roles in Revenge, The Sandman and The Bay, having also starred in Holby City, Passenger and The Hack. He is also set to feature in the third season of House of the Dragon.
Geraldine James as Nancy Parker
Who is Nancy? Nancy is Gary’s mother and is the owner of the casino. Her relationship with her son is a complicated one and she’s someone who is still fixated on the past life she had before her husband sadly died.
Where have I seen Geraldine James before? James has starred in Anne with an E, Back to Life, Silo, This Town and Dope Girls.
Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning
Who is Fen? Fen is hellbent on nailing Gary for his crimes and has a past that fuels her investigation into him. She’s risking a lot to try and dig deeper into the case – but is she any closer to getting the outcome she wants?
Where have I seen Sophie Mensah before? Mensah has starred in Welsh language soap opera Pobol Y Cwm, Hollyoaks and Sanctuary. She has also featured in All Creatures Great and Small, Wolf and Ackley Bridge.
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The Cage starts Sunday 26 April at 9pm on BBC One, and will be available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.
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