Various (Editor: Coleman & Chinn) - Shadowplays
Per the introduction, this is meant to be an homage to “Tales Of The Unexpected”, a UK series loaded with the sardonic humor of Roald Dahl. As with most anthologies, I anticipated a mix of gems, and MOR.
Set in the television world, “Totu” finds theatre trained Izzy accepting commercial roles, cheap parts for money. Her boyfriend is a self-deluded sponge, yet her faith and desperation lead her up the stairs and into the part that would dominate the rest of her days.
No telling what one will find in the junk shop. “Damaged But Adorable” are broken articles that are alluring to others. Delay means the item will be gone by the next visit. No telling what you will find on the shelves – or what might find you.
It was specialist who had leveled the news at Gavin. He had never been able to make friends, not even with school misfits. Even his parents shunned him. There was a “Stigma” attached, and oh what a repulsive thing it was. The experimental cure was not without risk.
Isabella possessed glamor. An Italian beauty, she was certainly out of Nigel’s league. Nevertheless, he had the inkling where to find a legendary scroll. A grateful Isabella would reward his desires, how? Some quests are never to be found, or “Never To Be Told”.
Since day one, family members had been warned to keep away from “Begbrook”, the deep woods, the place where disappearances mounted over the years. When you are young, however, there is nothing so irresistible as the taboo. Besides, what do parents know?
“South Riding” closes out the book, again in the theatrical world, this time, rep. Small town Disston has an eager audience for old chestnuts, even Ayckbourn is too modern. Audiences are reserved, yet seats and stalls are packed. What is there to complain about? The long season, the mix of Christie and Vane, everything so blasé, grinds Don to the knuckle, although he was already half-dead to begin with.