Kingdom Theatre Company return to Edinburgh Fringe this year with Helen Shapiro: Walkin’ Back, the story of the 1960s English teenage singer, written by John Murray.
Lily Martin updates us on what’s been going on with the show.
“Young Lily Martin stars as Helen Shapiro in this untold popstar story. A schoolgirl gets a record contract, tours with The Beatles in support and has three Top 5 singles aged 15, all in this smash-hit musical with all the hits plus original songs from this award-winning company and writer.”
Where: Forest Theatre at Greenside @ George Street
When: 7-15 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/helen-shapiro-walkin-back
What is it about and where did the idea come from?
John Murray – the award-winning writer of this show, was a fan of Helen Shapiro in his youth, and had the idea to write a stage musical following the early career of Helen who had three Top 3 hits and toured with The Beatles as her support band while she was aged 15.
What can you tell us about your show?
The show has a mixture of classic hits and new original songs written with such authenticity that audiences say they can’t tell them apart! We’ve received lovely feedback, four star reviews and had sold out runs at Edinburgh Fringe (2024 & 2025) and Dundee Fringe (2025).
This time the show takes over the largest space at the Greenside George Street – Forest Theatre, and also sees the return of the same three talented teenage actors (Betsy Simmons as Connie, Mya Harley as Judith and Sadie Lax as Maggie) who act as Helen’s sounding board and network of support – quite literally supporting with their beautiful harmonies.
The newly refreshed show also features 15-year-old Aaron Rickman as John Lennon, singing and playing guitar live on stage. Also new to the cast, Ryan Finlayson plays Helen’s songwriter John Shroeder, whilst Jack Clark plays record producer, Norrie Paramour. The story is again narrated by an adult Helen, reflecting on her teenage fame – played this year by Jacquie Alexander.
How would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
I’ve described this show as a love letter to Helen Shapiro. She was a real trendsetter – the first British female pop icon. We’ve had audiences tell us it is a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time when music was pure. This was an era when people listened to their music on vinyl – the first time around!
Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe?
I love it! This is my third year with Kingdom, and second year playing young Helen.I am delighted to be reprising my role as Helen this year, and particularly as each performance also features the voice of Helen Shapiro (which she recorded especially for the show) as the schoolteacher who reprimands our schoolgirl cast. It’s like an on-stage vocal reminder of what we’re all doing there.
Any particular moments you remember?
I remember we had the privilege of meeting Helen in 2024 – she tours with a religious outreach group and her voice still sounds great (also, I learnt that churches with high vaulted roofs create incredible acoustics!)
Helen was so humble. She seemed amazed that anyone would write a musical about her – to her, signing a record deal and touring with the Beatles, and appearing in movies was just what she did in her teenage years – when she was the same age as I am now – can you imagine?
What are you looking forward to most in Edinburgh?
The buzz! Living quite nearby, I’ve been able to attend Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year since I was born. There is nowhere else in the world like Edinburgh during the Fringe, where you can see and hear literally anything.
Our venue is amazing – it’s central, accessible and the Greenside team are absolutely incredible – so warm and welcoming.
What’s next for you?
I’m fortunate enough to be involved in theatre groups in Fife and Glasgow, where I also attend the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Musical Theatre programme.
The next show I’m involved with is Movies to Musical’s Legally Blonde in Platform, Glasgow in October. I’ll be playing Paulette Bonafonte – the quirky hairdresser, which is so much fun – I have to channel my inner-Paulette when I don Helen’s wig every night for the Fringe!