
The thriller ‘The Cage’ unfolds in a Liverpool casino, where the pressure is intense and the risks are enormous. Things get even more complicated when colleagues Leanne, played by Sheridan Smith, and Matty, played by Michael Socha, discover they’ve both been stealing to get by.
When they both realize they’re trying to improve their lives, things take a dangerous turn. It quickly becomes clear that the stolen money has brought them into conflict with a local gangster and the police.
This BBC series, created by Tony Schumacher – the mind behind The Responder – promises to be a thrilling ride, much like his previous work. And, just like The Responder, it’s filmed in the city where Schumacher grew up.
Read on to find out just where The Cage was filmed, including insights from the cast and crew.
Where is The Cage filmed?

The Cage was filmed on location in and around Liverpool and Merseyside.
Filming locations included Tockholes (according to The Bolton News), as well as various spots in Liverpool city centre – specifically the Baltic Triangle, Sefton Park, and the waterfront area.
Tony Schumacher, the creator of the show, explained that they chose to film in Liverpool because it’s an amazing city. He felt it was important to capture the real atmosphere of Liverpool, rather than simply using it as a backdrop for filming.
It’s incredible that this is putting our city on the map alongside places like New York and London, and it’s bringing a lot of job opportunities with it. What I really love is that it’s showcasing our local talent – both in front of and behind the camera – and giving people the chance to work in their hometown.
The film is visually stunning, thanks to director Al Mackay’s incredible talent. It’s wonderful that Liverpool didn’t have to pretend to be something it’s not; it could truly be itself. That authenticity was exactly why I chose to film here.
Director Al Mackay praised Liverpool as an ideal filming location. He explained that the coastal scenery and expansive skies significantly contributed to the show’s visual style. The proximity to the River Mersey was also intentional, as it connects to the character Matty’s backstory – his house overlooks the river, grounding the story in a strong sense of place. Mackay noted that Liverpool itself has a naturally cinematic quality.

During a recent interview with TopMob and other media, actress Sheridan Smith talked about her time filming in Liverpool. She said she’s a big fan of the city, having worked there several times, and considers it her favorite place to film. She also mentioned that Tony, a fellow cast member who is from Liverpool, is well-known and loved by locals.
Barry Sloane, who plays Gary on the show, shared that filming in his hometown was a really special experience. He said it filled him with pride and happiness. Having lived both in London and Los Angeles, he explained that being away from your hometown makes filming there even more meaningful, especially when shooting in places he used to frequent.
The moment I read Gary’s character in the script, I instantly knew him. He felt so real – like someone you’d definitely cross paths with, maybe even a landlord I’ve had! I’m pretty sure I’ve seen faces like his around. Filming was incredible too – we had the most beautiful weather the entire time, and Liverpool just glows in the sunshine. It was all just pure Scouse pride shining through, honestly.
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You can watch The Cage starting Sunday, April 26th at 9pm on BBC One. All episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer right away.
Don’t miss out on The Cage! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.
Authors

Morgan Cormack writes about TV and streaming drama for TopMob. Before that, she was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. She also has experience in content marketing and freelancing, and holds a degree in English Literature.
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2026-04-26 11:35