The Cage cast: Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha star

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BBC’s new crime series, The Cage, from the creator of The Responder, promises to be a thrilling and suspenseful show, just like his previous work.

This five-episode series follows Leanne and Matty, two casino employees who both desperately need money. They decide to try and get it from their workplace.

Things take a turn for the worse when they realize they’re both stealing from the same workplace. As the story suggests, their paths are about to cross – with each other, the dangerous gangster they’re robbing, and the police.

The Cage features familiar actors Socha and Smith, known from several British TV shows, alongside other established and up-and-coming performers. Wondering who’s in the BBC drama? Keep reading to find out!

Who stars in The Cage?

Here’s a look at the main actors in The Cage. Keep reading to learn more about the cast, who they play, and where you might recognize them from.

  • 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

Leanne is a single mom who also cares for her grandmother, who has dementia. She works as a cashier at a casino. Since her husband passed away, life has been difficult, but she begins to realize she shares a surprising connection with her coworker, Matty.

You might recognize Sheridan Smith from popular comedies like The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, and Gavin & Stacey. She’s also known for her roles in more serious dramas, including I Fought The Law, No Return, The Teacher, and Four Lives, and has a background in stage and music.

Michael Socha as Matty Flynn

Matty manages Envoy Casino, but he’s facing serious personal issues. He’s addicted to gambling and deeply in debt. Desperate for a solution, he starts taking money from the casino and teams up with Leanne to do so.

Many people recognize Michael Socha from his work in This Is England and its follow-up TV series and films. He’s also appeared in shows like Showtrial, The Gallows Pole, DI Ray, Toxic Town, and What It Feels Like for a Girl.

Barry Sloane as Gary Packer

Gary inherited a successful casino from his father, but he’s now become involved in shady activities. He appears to be a controlling person, though it’s becoming obvious that he’s losing his grip on things, despite his tough exterior.

You might recognize Barry Sloane from shows like Revenge, The Sandman, and The Bay. He’s also appeared in Holby City, Passenger, and The Hack, and will be in season three of House of the Dragon.

Geraldine James as Nancy Parker

Nancy is Gary’s mother and owns the casino. She has a complex relationship with her son and often dwells on her life before her husband’s death.

You might recognize Geraldine James from her roles in shows like Anne with an E, Back to Life, Silo, This Town, and Dope Girls.

Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning

Fen is determined to bring Gary to justice for his wrongdoings, and her personal history drives her investigation. She’s taking significant risks to uncover the truth, but it remains to be seen if she’ll achieve her goal.

You might recognize Sophie Mensah from her roles in several TV shows. She’s appeared in the Welsh soap Pobol Y Cwm, as well as Hollyoaks and Sanctuary. More recently, she’s been in All Creatures Great and Small, Wolf, and Ackley Bridge.

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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.

Don’t miss out! Add “The Cage” to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

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, freelancing, and holds a BA degree in English Literature.

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2026-04-26 10:36