Helen Graham: Bringing the Theatrical to Family History
Saturday 7 November 2026, 11am. Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road, Colinton, EH13 0BQ
Helen is a historical fiction writer. She has a love of researching and writing fiction, based on true events, and has been immersed in the world of 19th century Edinburgh theatres for several years. Her first and second novels are set in this fascinating world, and she has a further two currently in development and “waiting in the wings”.
Her novels tell the story of her ancestor, the famous actor Charles Mackay. Her debut novel, The Real Mackay: Walter Scott’s Favourite Comedian, brings to life the golden era of Scottish national drama in the early 19th century, seen through the eyes of Charles Mackay and his family. The comedian dazzles and delights packed theatres, bringing laughter to audiences, including the king. But behind his stage antics there is family tragedy.
Her second, recently published, Disappearing Acts: The Real Mackay’s Granddaughter, is set in Edinburgh in 1858, and takes up the family story through Charles Mackay’s granddaughter, Lottie. She has become an actress after eloping with an actor, and a game of wits ensues. Then tragedy strikes and the future is suddenly impossible to imagine.
Pentlands Book Festival: Nov each year 