The Real Mackay

Walter Scott’s Favourite Comedian

By: Helen Graham

Narrated by: Helen Graham

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 out of this meticulously researched historical novel which plunges the listener into the weird and wonderful golden era of Scottish national drama, 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?

©2025 Helen Graham (P)2025 Helen Graham

Meet Actor Charles Mackay in Victorian Edinburgh

Closing my eyes, the skillful narration seamlessly transported me back to a vibrant Victorian theater scene and the life of the star of the show, Charles Mackay. Using various voices, Helen Graham brings the cast of characters and streets of Edinburgh to life as only the author can do. I highly recommend both the wonderful book and audiobook, especially for fans of Scotland, theater, Walter Scott, the Victorian age or of course Charles Mackay. You wont be disappointed.