In the final episode of the long-running ITV crime drama series Vera, Marley Emma Sage played Young Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) alongside her on-screen father Stevie Raine as Hector Stanhope. Previously on screen, Marley worked on two feature films – The Red Shadow and Blue Jean, and she appeared in Schak’s music video for Movin’ All Around. As a stage actor, Marley made her professional debut in 2019 at Newcastle Theatre Royal, playing Young Éponine in Les Misérables. Marley chatted to us about playing Young Vera Stanhope in the final episode of Vera, her experience on set of the crime drama series and her time as Young Éponine in Les Misérables in Newcastle.

At the start of this year, you were seen as Young Vera Stanhope in the hugely-popular ITV crime drama series Vera, how was it being part of the final episode and how did you find the experience on set?

I loved being part of the final episode – it is a such a well-loved programme, especially here in the North East, so I was really proud to be part of it. It was so exciting being on set with such well-known actors and the crew were amazing, the on set catering was great – they had the best jacket potatoes ever!

What was it like meeting Vera star Brenda Blethyn and filming alongside Stevie Raine as your on-screen father Hector Stanhope?

Brenda was lovely and so down-to-earth, she was really kind on the first day and came and sat with me at lunchtime and made me feel at ease. Stevie was a great on-set dad, and I learnt a lot working alongside them both.

What was Young Vera like to play and how was it getting into character?

I watched lots of episodes of Vera including the first ever one which focuses on the story about Vera and her dad, so I knew there was a lot of tension between them and really wanted to show this on screen. I think she had to grow up quickly and thought about this when I was bringing the character to life.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Young Vera, and what was it like watching the episode when it was released in January?

I got home from school and my mum had bought me a treat to congratulate me, and when I asked what for, she said – “you have been confirmed as Young Vera’ – I was so happy and couldn’t believe it – my grandma cried when she heard the news! When we watched the episode it felt surreal, I wasn’t sure what to expect as you never know what will happen in the editing suite – but I was really happy with the finished episode.

How was it reading the script for the final episode of the show and how did you prepare for filming?

I was excited to get the script – I just read the lines over and over and over, I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I like to make sure I know the scenes inside out!

We understand you have previously worked on the films The Red Shadow and Blue Jean, can you tell us about your time filming these projects?

Blue Jean was shot in the North East and was my first feature film – I worked with my little sister Piper on this and it was such a fun day. In The Red Shadow, I played a girl called Doris, and my little sister was cast in this with me again too – and our mum played our on-screen mum so it was really fun again to work with my real family.

What was it like being involved with Schak’s music video for Movin’ All Around?

This was my first music video and it was all new to me. I liked having a full scene to act out, the other cast members all had to do crazy dancing in the street and it was December and freezing outside – I got a nice warm hat to wear so I was very lucky!

In 2019, you took on the role of Young Éponine in the UK Tour of Les Misérables at Newcastle Theatre Royal, what did you enjoy most about performing in the show?

I just loved going to the theatre every day and the thrill of being up on stage live in front of the huge audience every night – it became my favourite musical and my dream is to play the role of adult Éponine one day!

How was it making your professional stage debut with Les Misérables and performing at Newcastle Theatre Royal?

I was only eight at the time so I don’t think I realised how special it was to be in such an amazing show in my hometown for nine weeks, but I’ve been and watched it since and I am so grateful that I got the chance to be part of it.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

My auntie owns SA Performing Arts, a theatre school in Newcastle – I have been training there since I was three. My mum has worked there over 20 years and she trained there too – so I guess it’s in my blood.

What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

Friends is my number one TV show, I watch it on repeat all the time. I get to see lots of theatre and every time I leave I feel like I walk out loving the last show more than the one before – but I think Chicago and Blood Brothers are top of my list.

How do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not performing, I would say I enjoy hanging out with my friends, shopping and doing makeup and skincare routines!

Do you have a favourite aspect of being an actor?

The best thing for me is being able to play a different character, whether that is creating my own versions of characters or trying to recreate someone else’s vision – I love trying to bring things to life, it’s always exciting.

What are you hoping 2025 brings for you and do you have any upcoming acting projects that you can share?

I would love to book another musical theatre role – I would love 2025 to bring anything my way. My amazing agent Tracey (at Tracey’s Talent) and I are working on something at the moment which we hope will open up opportunities for filming abroad… so watch this space!

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