Sheridan Smith is no stranger to playing a Scouser on the screen
Michael Socha and Sheridan Smith (Image: BBC)
One of the most highly-anticipated BBC dramas of the year got underway this evening as the first episode of The Cage was broadcast. Moments before the show, viewers made the same comment about its leading actress Sheridan Smith.
Sheridan is known for playing a wide range of roles in the television industry and has made a huge name for herself in dramas in recent years. Shows Sheridan has received praise include I Fought the Law, The Teacher, Cleaning Up and Cilla.
Viewers tuned in this evening as Sheridan stepped into the role of Leanne, a single mum who works as a cashier in a Liverpool casino. She cares for her nan who has dementia, she has a 17-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. They’re losing their housing and Leanne’s nan has to go into care.
Sheridan Smith as Leanne in The Cage(Image: BBC)
Matty, played by Michael Socha, is her co-worker at the casino. They discover they’re both stealing from the same safe, which entwines their lives with each other, the local gangster they are stealing from, and the police.
On X, Debbie Blackman said: “Sheridan Smith never disappoints. I can’t wait to see The Cage tonight.” Ryan Glendenning said: “I haven’t watched a BBC Drama for quite a while but I’ll always watch anything that stars Sheridan Smith. An incredible actress and I love everything she’s been in.”
Julie Wilson said: “BBC dramas are always good but The Cage is a story well told. Michael Socha is incredible, as is Sheridan Smith. They are all outstanding. An absolute gem.” Maggie Cooper posted: “I am recording The Cage, Sheridan Smith is always exceptional.”
Last summer, TV crews were spotted filming in Liverpool city centre for The Cage. ECHO photographers captured Sheridan Smith driving a mustard yellow Fiat Multipla as TV crews set up what appeared to be a car chase scene.
Filming took place in Liverpool last year(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Filming continued on Brunswick Street with two other actors, Barry Sloane and Sophie Mensah, who portray Gary and Fen. Parts of Water Street were also closed off when filming took place, as well as the Baltic Triangle and Sefton Park. Some areas of the Wirral were also used in the show, including some streets in Caldy.
The 44-year-old actress enjoyed returning to Liverpool for filming as she described it as her “favourite city”. Sheridan became an “adopted Scouser” following her incredible portrayal of Liverpool icon Cilla Black in the 2014 series Cilla.
Ahead of the show’s release, Tony Schumacher, who hails from Liverpool, said: “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.”