Dark Shadows: The Phantom Bride by Mark Thomas Passmore (CD review).

Tony Peterson( Jerry Lacy) is so happy he’s taking his beautiful bride Cassandra (Lara Parker) on an Atlantic cruise to celebrate their honeymoon. Never have a couple been so much in love. Nothing is what it seems, this is ‘Dark Shadows’ and ‘The Phantom Bride’ is just that. Cassandra or Angelique, as she was previously known, is a 300 year-old witch with great powers who has done some evils things in her time. This time, though, she is helping out old friend Peterson, who is working for a client. There have been mysterious events on a cruise ship and they are having an all expenses paid trip to try to sort them out. In the process, they might just learn a little bit more about themselves.

‘Dark Shadows’ the audios have managed to overcome any association with the fairly ghastly film that purported to revive the TV show last year. The audios follow in the tradition of the melodrama that we love from the show. It takes itself seriously but is happy to acknowledge the kitsch nature of many of the plots. They usually fall just about right with characters we care about having fun with the role. Both of these actors appeared in the original show and this gives the story an authentic feeling.

Great story, great fun and always welcome in my ears. Thanks to Big Finish, the ‘Dark Shadows’ story marches on and long may it last.

Sue Davies

(pub: Big Finish. 1 CD 60 minute story. Price: CD: £ 9.99 (UK), Download: £ 7.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-78178-119-7)
cast: Jerry Lacy, Lara Parker, Jack Chapman, Craig Daniel Adams, Brigid Lohrey, Christopher Ragland, Evelyn Adams, Simon Kent, Barra Collins, Stephen Kelly and Asta Parry
check out website: www.bigfinish.com