Meet the multiple characters Catherine Tate plays in her new documentary-style comedy for Netflix.
Hard Cell is a documentary-style comedy set in the fictional female prison, HMP Woldsley where writer and creator Catherine Tate plays multiple characters from Laura Willis, the Governor who believes creativity leads to rehabilitation, to Big Viv, the psychopath lifer.
Set over a 6 week period during which the inmates rehearse a musical directed by ex-EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison. Rehearsals draw together an oddball collection of women as they find their voices, grow in confidence and strengthen their friendships.
Anne Marie
Anne Marie is Ros’ mother, a tough, mean, ex-con, who visits her daughter whenever she has run out of money. Contemptuous and scathing, she takes full advantage of her daughter’s unconditional love.
Ange
A timid first timer, Ange is innocent, struggling to adapt to her new environment, her meekness making her easy prey. But she lives by her mantra “People are inherently good” and despite her misfortune, she overcomes her fears, settles in and even finds her prison walk.
Big Viv
Terrifying, Big Viv is feared by inmates and prisoners alike. Violent, unpredictable and singing is her happy place - everything you’d want in a cell mate. A devoted fan of the Kardashians, with whom she identifies deeply, Vivienne develops a passion for theatre as she becomes involved with the musical.
Laura
HMP Woldsley’s governor, Laura is a self-styled prison reformer convinced staging musicals will provide a platform for her belief that creativity leads to rehabilitation. Her detractors would describe her as a ‘bleeding heart liberal in kitten heels’, a description she wouldn’t hate.
Marco
A guard from Essex, Marcus got down to the last 32 on Love Island so he’s got nothing to prove. More committed to his appearance than his job, which he only took because he can get to work without changing tubes.
Ros
Ros is a popular, bouncy inmate who idolises her mother. Loves her prison wife Suds, pretends to love her penpal boyfriend Sebastian but is in fact, rinsing him for all he’s worth. What? It’s not her fault that people are so trusting.
Hard Cell launches Tuesday 12th April on Netflix