Helen Shapiro Walkin' Back, Forest Theatre at Greenside, three stars

Performed predominantly by 14- and 15-year-olds, this is a sincere and passionate retelling of her success story. For this young cast, Shapiro’s journey is more than a story from the past. It is a relatable tale of ambition, self-belief and discovering that the people who help you achieve your dreams can come from the most unexpected places.

Shapiro herself makes a symbolic appearance as the voice of the critical teacher, a fitting moment in a production centred on the power of self-belief and the determination to push through the voices of those who say you cannot.

Jacquie Alexander, who plays adult Shapiro, guides the audience back through her memories, creating a backdrop for the retelling of her story. The narrative moves smoothly from the classroom to the recording studio, following a young girl discovering the possibilities that lie ahead.

• Bad Day At The Office, Edinburgh International Film Festival, 3 stars | The Herald
• The Incomer, Edinburgh International Film Festival, four stars | The Herald
• Fringe review: HK Soul Showcase, Assembly @ Dance Base, three stars | The Herald
• Ham, Old Lab at Summerhall, five stars | The Herald
• ...Earnest?, Underbelly, five stars | The Herald

Playing young Shapiro, Lily B Martin brings fantastic vocals to the role. Together with the young supporting cast, whose solos and pleasant harmonies create a lively chorus, they bring the sounds of the 1960s vividly to life.

The contrast between Shapiro’s youthful dreams and the woman looking back on the choices that shaped her life gives the production an added warmth. There is a sense of looking back not only at a career, but at the excitement and possibility of being young and believing that anything might be possible.

That infectious enthusiasm makes the story particularly affecting. Any inexperience in the young cast soon disappears beneath their passion, making this an enjoyable and inspiring production, and a reminder of just how important opportunities for youth to perform can be. It is a celebration of the possibilities within reach of young people when they are given the chance to discover their talents and follow their dreams.

The Fringe provides a space where young performers can discover what they are capable of, and Walking Back demonstrates the value of giving them that opportunity. Watching this generation of actors and singers throw themselves into Shapiro’s story is a reminder that confidence can grow when young people are given the chance to be seen, heard and encouraged to pursue the things they love.

On a day when children across Scotland were returning to their classrooms, it felt particularly fitting to watch a group of young performers take to the stage and show what can happen when they are given the opportunity to believe in themselves.

Kingdom Theatre's performance may not be polished in every respect, but its heart is impossible to miss. Its greatest strength is the passion of its young cast, and its reminder that sometimes, all a young person needs is someone to believe that their dream is possible.

Until 15 August

Follow all of our dedicated coverage and subscribe to the Edinburgh Festivals Diary here: Edinburgh festivals coverage