This Is England legend talks his new Sheridan Smith drama: “I worked my arse off for The Cage”

by

You spent two hours auditioning for the part of Matty in The Cage. That’s a really long time – are all the auditions that lengthy?

Auditions usually last just fifteen to thirty minutes, if you’re fortunate. However, because I’d worked with the director, Al McKay, on ‘This Is England‘ previously, we’d already discussed the character, which gave me a head start in understanding who Matty was. I always prepare thoroughly for auditions – I memorize my lines and fully grasp the character – but I really pushed myself for ‘The Cage.’ As a result, the audition felt relaxed and creative; I was able to experiment and try different approaches. It was the best audition experience I’ve ever had, and I left feeling confident that I’d given it my all.

Has there ever been a time when you didn’t feel great about an audition, but still got the role?

I get really anxious during the first few weeks of a new project because I worry that something isn’t being done correctly.

That sounds like a case of imposter syndrome. Is that something you feel?

Like everyone, I have moments of self-doubt and sometimes wonder how I ended up where I am, especially when working with such talented people. Not having gone to drama school, I occasionally feel like I don’t quite belong, but I try to push those feelings aside and focus on my work.

How have you stayed grounded?

Growing up in Derby and having a life before acting has kept me grounded. I didn’t start acting as a child, so I know what it’s like to live a normal life outside of the industry, and I value that. While I enjoy my work very much, I also prioritize my personal life and don’t see myself solely as an actor. I have responsibilities and interests beyond my career, and that’s important to me – I’m just me.

You first gained widespread recognition in the film This Is England by Shane Meadows. What was the most important thing you learned during that experience?

Honestly, I was shocked to learn the team actually got paid for their work! I always figured it was just something they did because they loved it, a fun passion project. It never crossed my mind that they were earning a living from it, actually supporting themselves with what they do.

Your work on films like Chernobyl, Showtrial, and What It Feels Like for a Girl, as well as your involvement with Shane Meadows’ projects, demonstrates a strong ability to select compelling screenplays.

I’m fortunate to have an agent with excellent judgment. As an actor, I really appreciate the opportunity to express a wide range of emotions and experiences – things you don’t always get to do in everyday life. It’s about channeling those feelings, managing them, and then letting them go.

Is acting, if not therapy, then certainly therapeutic?

I’m hesitant to admit it, but I believe that’s true. When I’m trying to portray a character authentically, I’m willing to draw on my own experiences and even confront difficult parts of my past. This often means exploring things I’d rather avoid, but I face those challenges, work through them, and ultimately let them go.

Want to see this content?

This page uses a security feature called Google reCAPTCHA. Before it loads, we need your permission because reCAPTCHA may use cookies and similar technologies. If you want to see the content, please select ‘Accept and continue’ to enable reCAPTCHA.

Have you ever played a character you’ve grown sick of?

When I finish exploring the difficult emotions of a role – getting all that ‘darkness’ out, so to speak – I sometimes need to step away from certain characters for a while. It’s a bit of a cliché, but as an actor, I really try to feel what my characters are feeling, and that can be exhausting. It can be really stressful and leave me completely drained. I hesitate to admit it, but it’s like I’m emotionally emptied after a particularly intense role.

How do you recharge?

I used to love hiking, but it feels like everyone’s doing it now. I’ve done some big walks, like the Camino de Santiago and a coast-to-coast trek across England. But recently, I went hiking with a friend and we both realized we’re over it. We need to find a new hobby! I enjoy staying fit, and I’m interested in boxing and kickboxing. I also like watching movies and visiting museums and art galleries. I still enjoy walking, just not specifically hiking anymore.

The Cage begins Sunday 26 April at 9pm on BBC One.

Authors

Gareth McLean

For almost three decades, Gareth McLean has been a writer and critic focusing on television. He’s reviewed countless shows and interviewed a wide range of personalities, including stars like Liza Minnelli and, formerly, Jimmy Savile. He’s also worked as a writer on television programs.

Read More

2026-04-20 19:42