Vera Drake

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Cast

Imelda Staunton
as Vera Drake

Philip Davis
as Stan Drake

Peter Wight
as Det. Inspector Webster

Daniel Mays
as Sid

Alex Kelly
as Ethel

Eddie Marsan
as Reg

Ruth Sheen
as Lily

Heather Craney
as Joyce

Adrian Scarborough
as Frank

Sally Hawkins
as Susan

Helen Coker
as WPC Best

Martin Savage
as Detective Sergeant Vickers

Sinead Matthews

Alan Corduner

Lesley Sharp

Jim Broadbent
as Judge

Fenella Woolgar

Lesley Manville
as Mrs. Wells

Sandra Voe

Liz White

Elizabeth Berrington

Emma Amos

Richard Graham
as George

Anna Keaveney
as Nellie

Simon Chandler
as Mr Wells

Sam Troughton
as David

Marion Bailey
as Mrs Fowler

Chris O'Dowd
as Sid's Customer

Sid Mitchell
as Very Young Man

Leo Bill
as Ronny

Gerard Monaco
as Kenny

Tilly Vosburgh
as Mother of Seven

Alan Williams
as Sick Husband

Heather Cameron
as Child

Billie Cook
as Child

Billy Seymour
as Child

Nina Fry
as Dance Hall Girl

Lauren Holden
as Dance Hall Girl

Joanna Griffiths
as Peggy

Wendy Nottingham
as Ivy

Nicky Henson
as Private Doctor

Angie Wallis
as Nurse Willoughby

Judith Scott
as Sister Beech

Vinette Robinson
as Jamaican Girl

Rosie Cavaliero
as Married Woman

Anthony O'Donnell
as Mr Walsh

Lucy Pleasence
as Sister Coombes

Tracy O'Flaherty
as Nurse

Tom Ellis
as Police Constable

Robert Putt
as Station Sergeant

Craig Conway
as Station Constable

Jake Wood
as Ruffian

Michael Gunn
as Gaoler

Paul Jesson
as Magistrate

Paul Raffield
as Magistrate's Clerk

Philip Childs
as Clerk

Jeffry Wickham
as Prosecution Barrister

Nicholas Jones
as Defence Barrister

Stephan Dunbar
as Usher

Angela Curran
as Prisoner

Jane Wood
as Prisoner

Eileen Davies
as Prison Officer

Nick Bicat

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Critic Reviews for Vera Drake

Audience Reviews for Vera Drake

• May 21, 2014

  Imelda Staunton's performance as an illegal abortionist is understated enough to be brilliant. Her passion for helping women which seems to be greater than her understanding for doing what it is that she does adds to the film's gravity.
  

  John B Super Reviewer
• Aug 23, 2011

  Heartbreaking in so many ways, Vera Drake is a vastly humane examination of a pressing social issue. Imelda Staunton shines through her sensitive portrayal of a woman in blameless earnest, and the films claustrophobic direction truly enhances the feel of familial harmony in the first half and the suspense that permeates the second.
  Cody H Super Reviewer
• Aug 08, 2010

  A captivating, impromptu film, directed by Mike Leigh, who takes chances and weaves together a narrative about the lives of the downtrodden working Irish families of the fifties, in this film headed by a woman with a plethora of secrets. Mike Leigh did not write a screenplay for this film, but had most of the actors find their own characters, and then wrote everything around that. The scenes were improvised, and the emotions onscreen, however searing and real, were that of the moment, of the actual characters in their element. Therefore, this is an actor's film, one that is always bursting with the presence of Vera Drake (Staunton). There is a slow, deep resonance of the character of Vera Drake, who though is the main focus of the film isn't always the main priority. There is a whole subset of characters, including the daughter and son, their in-laws, and friends, besides these girls who are actually in trouble. There is also a slight undertone about the history of Ireland, including a women's right to choose, and the illegal means to which women took care of it at the time. More importantly are the implications to Vera's actions, the way it reflects on her family and her role in the community. Though at first I didn't understand the role of the plot in the last hour, it flowed that way to build tension between the family members. When the family hears about Vera's crimes it was the first time for the actors too, and it was genuine and gritty and hopeless all at the same time. Imelda Staunton, who has mostly been pigeonholed into the supporting character actor category so many times before, inexplicably shines. Vera Drake is an amazing character, so filled with a depth and personal tension that comes off her in waves, so much a martyr in many respects and yet she does unspeakable things in her religion and society. She is the epitome of pious maternal instincts and mousy womanhood. It's even hard to watch in certain places, and that all comes from Staunton's grace and serenity in the face of adversity. Beautiful, contextual film that is also a great period piece.
  Spencer S Super Reviewer
• May 09, 2010

  Landmark film. Mike Leigh's Vera Drake is a powerful, sad, controversial film. Imelda Stuanton peformance is so real and effortless. You can either love her, hate her, or empathize. The court room scenes I thought were one of the best. I was really feeling the walls coming down on Stuanton's role. Can't help but feel for her guilt and pain.
  Brian R Super Reviewer

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