This is a rich immersion into the life of actor Charles Mackay who was a ‘celebrity’ of the early 1800s during the rising popularity of theatres in Scotland. Mackay was best known for acting in Sir Walter Scott’s novels which had been adapted for the theatre, and especially for playing the Bailie in Rob Roy.

There was much to learn in this intriguing story: what audiences enjoyed and how they behaved; the fierce competition between theatres and how frequently they burned down; and the challenge of early newspaper reviews which were a new concept at the time. At the heart of this tale is always Charles Mackay and we follow his great success, the focus he placed on his career – often at the expense of his children – and his final years when he plays his most important role of all … the loving grandfather.

The characters are well drawn, the description of Edinburgh and how people lived makes the reader feel as though they are there, and the author has clearly done her research – the use of quotes from the plays in the dialogue is particularly skillfully done. An exceptional fictionalized biography and, all in all, a fascinating book which I highly recommend.