The New Audio Stories: Just the Facts
So, what can listeners expect from the new Dark Shadows stories? Producer Stuart Manning answers some burning questions…

Actor David Selby in the studio

So, who are these CDs aimed at?
Everyone. We’ve been determined to make these stories accessible for a new audience, while keeping things satisfying for the faithful fan base. Our first CD, The House of Despair, introduces the characters afresh and gives them a new set of storylines and dangers. With such a rich heritage from the original series, there’s a danger of baffling a new audience, but rest assured, everything you need to know to enjoy the range is included on that first CD.

What will the format be?
Each single-disc release is a complete story, but there are undercurrents that link all four releases. To preserve the soap opera tradition of the original series, each disc is split into three episodes, with a cliffhanger at the end of each episode.

Are the CDs like talking books?
Not at all. Audio drama’s closest sibling is radio plays, but our approach is overall more sophisticated. We use a full cast of actors, backed-up with a rich palette of sound effects and a unique music score.

When do the stories take place?
They take place between the end of the original series, and before Return to Collinwood, the reunion audio play produced by Dan Curtis Productions in 2003. We’ve deliberately avoided stating a specific timeframe, so that fans can decide a place for the new stories to take place. We could say they take place in 1975, 1982 or whenever, but I think that makes things less engaging. For us, these stories are happening now, in their own present, and they can be enjoyed more thoroughly if approached in that way.

Which actors are involved?
Our regular cast is made up of original series actors David Selby (Quentin Collins), Lara Parker (Angelique), John Karlen (Willie Loomis) and Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans). We’ll be adding some recurring characters of our own along the way, and we’d definitely be looking to involve more of the classic cast if we continue.

What about the stories?
I think we've put together great crop of stories that celebrate Dark Shadows in all its forms. There's mystery, horror, romance, with plenty of surprises along the way. It was always our intention for this series to mark the show's 40th Anniversary, and we've all done our best to ensure that it's a worthy celebration for such a milestone.

Where can the CDs be purchased?
This website serves as a sales outlet for the entire range, and we’re currently working on distribution, both in the US and UK. In the meantime, the CDs will be available from specialist retailers and mail order companies.

Will there be further CDs?
Big Finish are committed to Dark Shadows as an ongoing series, so if sales are healthy, there will be more stories. Our license lasts until 2009 and we hope to produce new stories throughout its duration.

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