Disappearing Acts by Helen Graham - Event - Wednesday 17th June 2026

Join us at St Vincent's Chapel in Stockbridge to hear Helen Graham in conversation with Susan Elsley to celebrate the publication of Disappearing Acts.

6.30pm on Wednesday 17th June at St Vincent's Chapel, St Vincent Street, EH3 6SW.

Buy a copy of Disappearing Acts and receive free entry to the event, or choose our Ticket-Only option for £6 (which can be used towards a purchase of the book at the event).

Do not miss what promises to be a wonderful event - not least because the Castle Chorus Folk and Roots Choir will be performing songs from the book!

We will follow up on your booking with a confirmation email - please be sure to check your junk folder!

Disappearing Acts is due to be published at the end of May. Any pre-ordered copies will be sent out/made available to collect when we receive our stock.

About Disappearing Acts Lottie has lived in a magical world of stories and imagination under the shelter of her beloved grandfather, a famous comic actor, for as long as she can remember - but now he’s dead and she’s stranded in a houseful of cousins, her strict Victorian uncle only noticing her when she steps out of line. Using her imagination, she begins to navigate the real world on her own terms, lurching from one idea to the next, taking risks and keeping secrets, determined no one will stop her pursuing her theatrical dreams. Eloping with an aspiring actor at seventeen, Lottie realises too late she has handed control of her life to her charming unpredictable husband who quickly discards the plans they made together and forms a very different kind of travelling theatre company.

A game of wits ensues, each vying for control in a world of comedy, illusions, and sleight of hand as they tour the length and breadth of the country till tragedy strikes and the future is suddenly impossible to imagine.

About Helen Graham Helen Graham published her debut novel, The Real Mackay: Walter Scott’s Favourite Comedian, in 2024. Based on true events in the life of her ancestor, a famous comedian called Charles Mackay, much of the story takes place in Edinburgh’s Theatre Royal. 

Her second novel, ‘Disappearing Acts’, unfolds in the transient world of late Victorian theatre and music hall, following the emotional roller coaster of Mackay’s granddaughter’s life. 

Originally a knitwear designer, Helen has directed award-winning short films, co-founded a community film festival in Kingussie and raised a family. She grew up in Oxfordshire and now lives in Edinburgh.