Tony Schumacher's 'The Cage' Explores Gambling Addiction in Liverpool Casino Heist
Tony Schumacher, the Bafta-nominated writer of 'The Responder', has created a new BBC One crime drama 'The Cage' set in a Liverpool casino, starring Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha as casino workers caught in a high-stakes robbery. Schumacher said he wrote the drama to understand his late brother's alcoholism, choosing gambling as a safer subject. The five-part series begins on 26 April on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Filming took place in Liverpool, Bolton, and Tockholes in Darwen, Lancashire, including at a disused casino opposite Paper Cup Coffee cafe on Queen Square, which supports homeless people. Cafe owner Michelle Langan praised Smith and Socha for their friendliness. Director Al Mackay noted the chemistry between the leads. Smith, known for her portrayal of Cilla Black, felt like an 'adopted Scouser'.
Key facts
- Tony Schumacher wrote 'The Cage' to understand his late brother's alcohol addiction.
- The drama is set in a Liverpool casino and focuses on a high-stakes robbery.
- Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha star as casino workers Leanne and Matty.
- The five-part series starts 26 April on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
- Filming locations included Liverpool, Bolton, and Tockholes in Lancashire.
- Paper Cup Coffee cafe on Queen Square was used by cast and crew.
- Cafe owner Michelle Langan said Smith and Socha had 'no airs and graces'.
- Director Al Mackay said the leads 'sparked off each other'.
Entities
Artists
- Tony Schumacher
- Sheridan Smith
- Michael Socha
- Al Mackay
- Cilla Black
Institutions
- BBC One
- BBC iPlayer
- BBC Radio 2
- BBC North West Tonight
- ITV
- Paper Cup Coffee
- The Royal Arms pub
Locations
- Liverpool
- Merseyside
- Huyton
- Bolton
- Tockholes
- Darwen
- Lancashire
- Queen Square
- England