Award nomination for musical star Lily
The teenage star of a hit Fife musical has been nominated for an award.
Following her third run at Edinburgh Fringe, 15-year-old Lily Martin has been nominated in the 2026 Scottish Theatre Awards for her starring role in ‘Helen Shapiro – Walkin’ Back’, a new musical written and produced by Kirkcaldy-based Kingdom Theatre Company.
Lily starred in all 16 performances for this production in 2025, which featured the hits of Helen Shapiro and newly composed songs for the show. All performances sold out including Dundee Fringe and a run at Edinburgh Fringe in Greenside Venue George Street.
The show is based on the early life of UK singer Helen Shapiro.
By the age of 15 in 1961 she had two No 1 singles selling 40,000 records a day and by the age of 16 she had had five top ten hits and toured the UK with The Beatles in support. The story tells of her rise and fall in song and how she survived merging original music and the hits of the day.
Lily, who attends Dunfermline High School, said: “This era of music does inspire me, and I just have a genuine love for it.
“The music of Helen Shapiro is especially beautiful, and her voice is timeless to perform.”
Despite her tender years, Lily already has a wealth of experience.
“I first became a pupil at Pirrie Performing Arts eight years ago, joining a variety of classes including stage school and of course, musical theatre,” she said.
“I have also worked with various local youth theatre groups, getting a variety of stage experience.
“The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland was the next goal for me, where I undertook a year of musical theatre Short Courses, before auditioning for Juniors.
“After a successful application, I started my study in musical theatre in September 2025.
“I am so super excited for this new chapter, as I aim to study for a BA in musical theatre with RCS.”
At the Edinburgh Fringe this show gained several awards and four-star reviews and this year Helen Shapiro herself recorded parts, as she played the role of her schoolteacher from 65 years earlier.
Helen, now aged 79 retired from show business in 2002 after a forty year career so this was quite a coup for a charity theatre group based in Fife.
The final three shows for this production have been announced: September 18 at 6pm - Dundee Fringe, Little Theatre, September 19 at 2pm - Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy and September 25 at 7pm - Strathmiglo Village Hall.