BBC have released first look images from the new Liverpool set drama starring Sheridan Smith. The Cage is the upcoming show from the creator of The Responder, Tony Schumacher.
The Huyton showrunner’s follow up to the acclaimed crime drama is described as “a high-stakes, high energy crime story set within the world of a Liverpool casino with two unforgettable characters at its heart”. Sheridan, who has a strong bond with Liverpool from when she portrayed Cilla Black, will play Leanne in the show, which will comprise five episodes.
The character will discover she is stealing from the same casino safe as her colleague Matty, who is played in the show by Michael Socha. The discovery will set their lives on a collision course with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police.
It is Tony’s second major drama with the BBC and the former police officer is excited to once again work in his home region. He told the BBC: “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 Mackay’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 and was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama. Fremantle and the BBC have today shared images of Sheridan and Michael in character ahead of the show’s release.
The post said: “Your first look at Michael Socha and Sheridan Smith in THE CAGE.” In the images, Sheridan is dressed in the uniform of her casino worker character while Michael is in a suit.
Two other images released show Sheridan dark outfit standing on the street in Liverpool at night. Another snaps shows Michael’s character anxiously staring out the window.
Sheridan originally hails from Lincolnshire, but she has been an adopted Scouser ever since she played Cilla Black in the 2014 ITV series based on the life of the Blind Date presenter. She spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview at the Bolan’s Shoes premiere in 2023 and said why she always loves staying in the city.
She said: “The people are so friendly here. They always give me a big hug and make me feel welcome. There’s such a buzz here. Even just driving in here today, I was like I’ve come home. It’s just the greatest city.”
“I love Liverpool. I’ve got earrings saying Scouser and I should have worn them tonight. I love this city.” Director of BBC Drama Ms Salt 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.”