Michael Socha, known for his compelling portrayals of complex characters, is embarking on a new journey, both geographically and thematically. Currently preparing to board a train to Wales, the actor sports an impressively substantial beard, a testament to his commitment to his latest role. This facial hair is for his part in "The Witch House," a dramatic adaptation of an episode from Danny Robins’ popular podcast "Uncanny." The series delves into a purported haunting within the Brecon Beacons, a rugged and atmospheric landscape in Wales. Socha will embody Bill Rich, a man who relocates his family to an old, purportedly haunted farmhouse, a decision that, as Socha himself puts it, leads to things going "horribly wrong."
The actor’s meticulous approach to his characters is evident in his preparation. "In the photos, he has a beard, and I thought, ‘I’ll match that,’" Socha explains, stroking his chin and examining his reflection. He candidly admits to a touch of self-criticism, noting, "You say that, but see this bit? I’m struggling. It’s a bit patchy there. I’m happy with this bit, but then this needs work." This dedication to authenticity, even down to the nuances of facial hair, underscores his commitment to inhabiting his roles fully.
A Deep Dive into "The Cage": A Gritty Liverpool Thriller
Socha’s immediate past has been occupied by the screening of his new BBC thriller, "The Cage." He carries the energetic, almost restless demeanor of someone who finds it difficult to remain static, a trait that mirrors his approach to his craft. Much like his assessment of his beard, Socha admits to a tendency to scrutinize his own performances, often finding fault when watching himself on screen. "I’ll sort of nitpick away," he shrugs, though he confesses that the enjoyable experience of making "The Cage" made him eager to see the final product. "But the more you watch something, the more you find bits that you’re not too happy with," he adds, a common sentiment among dedicated actors.
However, any such perceived imperfections in "The Cage" are likely to be few and far between. Penned by Tony Schumacher, the acclaimed writer behind the high-octane, morally ambiguous police thriller "The Responder," the new series is set against the backdrop of a Liverpool casino. Socha takes on the role of Matty, the casino’s general manager, a man whose life is a tangled web of addictions. To fuel his habits, Matty resorts to skimming from the casino’s takings and manipulating the books to conceal his illicit activities.
Authenticity and Accent: Socha’s Liverpool Debut
One of the distinctive aspects of "The Cage" is Socha’s natural accent. While many actors in the production adopted regional dialects, Socha retained his own. He recounts how director Al McKay sent him the script, seeking his thoughts. "I thought, ‘OK, this is incredible – what do I need to do to be in the show?’" Socha recalls. McKay’s inquiry about his ability to perform a Scouse accent was met with a typically self-deprecating response: "’Can you do a Scouse accent?’ I said, ‘Probably badly.’" Despite his reservations, Socha auditioned. "And it was the best audition I’ve ever had," he declares. "I don’t know if eventually Tony was brought around to the idea of a Derby person being in a Liverpool-set drama, but somehow I ended up on ‘The Cage.’" This willingness to embrace a challenge, coupled with an outstanding audition, secured him a pivotal role.
The series is characterized as a dense, intricate thriller, weaving together narratives of corrupt law enforcement, organized crime, and complicated family dynamics. Much like "The Responder," it excels at placing its characters under immense pressure, exploring the psychological toll of their circumstances. When asked if playing such a high-stakes role was as stressful as watching it, Socha’s response is refreshingly candid. "I’m being really honest, Rebecca, I found the whole thing fun," he states. The relentless pace and raw energy of the series seemed to resonate with his own performing style. "You never know where you are. I enjoy that you’re not stuck in one place for too long, and by the time you run out of nooks and crannies to explore, you’re out of there, doing something else somewhere else." This nomadic approach to storytelling appears to suit Socha’s sensibilities, offering him a dynamic and engaging canvas for his performances.
A Stellar Partnership: Socha and Sheridan Smith
Sharing the screen with Socha is Sheridan Smith, who plays Leanne, Matty’s colleague. Their characters develop a compelling dynamic when Matty discovers Leanne attempting to steal from the safe, employing the very same methods he uses. While both Socha and Smith have become familiar faces on British television, this marks their first on-screen collaboration. However, their professional acquaintance is underpinned by a pre-existing friendship. "They were good friends anyway," Socha confirms, expressing his excitement at finally having the opportunity to work together. "I was ‘buzzing’ that we finally got to do something together. It was nothing but fun." He pauses, self-aware of his repeated use of the word, and adds, "I keep saying fun, don’t I?"
A Pattern of "Shit Dads": Exploring Parental Roles
Despite his evident enjoyment of his roles, Socha’s career has seen him gravitate towards characters on the darker side of morality. In "The Cage," Matty is portrayed as a distant father to his teenage daughter, with the reasons for his estrangement becoming poignantly clear as the narrative unfolds. It appears Socha has developed a particular knack for playing disengaged or problematic paternal figures. He notes, "I’ve had a run of playing dreadful dads, in fact." He lists his roles: the violent father in "What It Feels Like for a Girl" and his character in "Toxic Town," both of which he describes as "shit dad." He laughs, a hint of amusement tinged with self-awareness. "Fucking hell. Right. I’m going to get on to my agent."
However, Socha is quick to point out that this is not his only acting territory. He highlights his recent role in "500 Miles," a film alongside Bill Nighy and Maisie Williams, where he played a more positive paternal figure. He reflects on the nature of his profession, stating, "People have good days and they have bad days, and in my job, I get to do it all. Sometimes I get the opportunity to go and lose my shit and get paid for it – and no one judges me. In fact, it’s applauded. It’s sort of expected. That’s my job, so I’m very fortunate." This perspective reveals a mature understanding of his craft and the opportunities it affords him.
From "This Is England" to a Thriving Career: A 20-Year Journey
Socha, now 38, has been a professional actor for two decades. His breakout role came at the age of 17, portraying the peroxide-blond Bully in Shane Meadows’ seminal film "This Is England," a character later known as Harvey in the spin-off television series. Reflecting on this early work, he wryly remarks, "Wish you hadn’t said that. Nice one. Thanks a lot." However, he acknowledges the longevity and success of his career, stating, "But, I say, you’ve had 20 successful years." He tempers this with a dose of reality, adding, "I’ve had my ups and downs, though, do you know what I mean? There have been gaps."
Socha’s path into acting was unconventional. He left school without any GCSEs or formal qualifications but was a member of the Television Workshop in Nottingham. This free drama group for young people has been a launchpad for many talented individuals, including Samantha Morton, Vicky McClure, and Jack O’Connell, who also began their careers there. Socha managed to gain entry into a college performance studies course by "blagging it" in his interview, despite not having completed the prerequisite foundation year. He credits the Workshop’s influence but also humorously notes his lack of aptitude for the mandatory singing and dancing components. "I can walk on to any set and go, ‘Did you know I have a BTec?’" he jokes, alluding to a qualification he likely did not earn in a traditional sense.
The experience of working on "This Is England" was transformative for Socha. It was through this project that he began to grasp the possibility of a sustained acting career. "I couldn’t believe people were able to pay mortgages and gas bills on the back of filming. I thought it was what everyone did for a hobby," he admits. This realization spurred him to take his aspirations seriously, leading to a career marked by both challenging moments and significant achievements. "There have been some white knuckle, oh shit moments," he concedes, "But I’ve been really lucky managing to maintain a career."
The Specter of Reunion: "This Is England" Rumors Persist
The enduring popularity of "This Is England" continues to fuel speculation about potential reunions. Socha recently addressed these rumors on "The One Show," where he was asked about the possibility of the cast reuniting. "They said, ‘We heard a rumour last month that This Is England is coming back.’ But I’ve not heard such a rumour." Such rumors often circulate, with this particular one likely stemming from comments made by the TV series’ co-writer, Jack Thorne, who, when questioned earlier this year, suggested that any revival would depend on director Shane Meadows. Socha, who has since worked with Meadows on the 18th-century drama "The Gallows Pole," expresses his enthusiasm for a potential return: "I’d be on board. I’ll circulate the rumour even more, if it will get us another one."
A Private Life, Public Persona
While Socha is known for his engaging and open demeanor when discussing his work, he maintains a firm boundary around his personal life. He has children, but he prefers to keep details private, recalling a past instance where his eldest child expressed a desire for his father not to discuss him publicly. "But I just don’t like to talk about it," he states firmly. He has settled in Derby, his hometown, after several years of extensive travel for work. When asked if a local pub might feature photographs of him and fellow Derby native Jack O’Connell, he jokes, "Yeah, saying, ‘Don’t let them in.’” Unlike his character Matty in "The Cage," Socha’s wilder days are firmly in the past. "I don’t really party. I just got to an age where it wasn’t serving me any purpose, so I don’t do it any more," he explains.
The Call of the Wild: Hiking and Pilgrimages
In contrast to his past lifestyle, Socha has found solace and purpose in outdoor pursuits. He admits to joining the "hiking bus" during lockdown, a trend spurred by limited options. Inspired by YouTubers, he embarked on the Coast to Coast path with a friend for charity. This experience led to further adventures, including a 500-mile pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain over 20 days, also undertaken for charitable causes. "It’s an amazing experience," he says, highly recommending it.
A Busy Future: Tackling Thrillers and Historical Dramas
Despite his penchant for long walks, Socha’s current schedule leaves little time for extensive hikes. He is set to star in "Deadpoint," a Channel 4 thriller that explores the complexities of the far-right movement and is set in the dramatic landscapes of Eryri National Park. Following his train journey to Wales for "The Witch House," he will travel to Latvia to complete "Young Stalin," a film focusing on the early life of the notorious dictator. His commitment to diverse and challenging roles, combined with his desire to avoid stagnation, confirms his own observation: he doesn’t like to be "stuck in one place for too long." His career trajectory, marked by a willingness to explore dark themes and a dedication to authentic portrayal, continues to captivate audiences.
