The Real Mackay: in conversation with Helen Graham
Join us at The Granary, Haddington, for an interview and book signing with author Helen Graham on Saturday, 25th May, at 5pm, part of Haddstock Festival 2024.
We'll be talking to Helen Graham about her debut novel The Real Mackay: Walter Scott's Favourite Comedian, followed by an audience Q&A, and book signing.
Purchase a copy of the book via this page for free entry to the event, while spaces last!
We are grateful to the Lamp of Lothian Trust for hosting this event, and to Haddstock Festival for facilitating it.
About the book:
Night after night jostling crowds clamour for entry to Edinburgh’s Theatre Royal with one name on their lips: The Real Mackay. But who is he?
The answer leaps off the page in this meticulously researched historical novel which plunges the reader into the golden era of Scottish national theatre, seen through the eyes of Charles Mackay and his family.
Walter Scott’s favourite comedian dazzles and delights packed audiences across nineteenth-century Scotland for decades, bringing laughter to thousands, including the king. But behind his hilarious stage antics is a man grieving for the women he loses, all of them dying tragically young – his mother, his wife, his daughter.
In the grip of unstoppable momentum, his extraordinary popularity casting long shadows over those he loves, will he be forced to choose between fame and family?
Paperback, 384 pages, published 28 May 2024.
Event details:
Venue: The Granary, 1-14 Newton Port, Haddington, EH41 3HZ
Event time: Saturday 25th May, 5 - 6 pm, followed by book signing
Doors: 4.45 pm. Please note that doors will close promptly at 5pm, and we're sorry, but latecomers will not be admitted.
Tickets: please note that you will not be sent a physical ticket for this event. We will have a guest list on the door with the names of attendees.
Copies of the book will be available for collection at the event.
About Helen Graham:
Helen has been writing stories and songs since she could hold a pencil and a tune. She has written a memoir, a poetry anthology and six volumes of family history books, directed several award-winning short films, composed and recorded numerous songs and founded a film festival. She has also worked as a knitwear designer, renovated some historic buildings and raised a family. Helen has three children and five grandchildren and lives in Edinburgh.
COVID Precautions
As a courtesy to other attendees if you feel unwell on the day we would be grateful if you could take a lateral before attending, if you can.