Fans of the classic Gothic soap opera Dark Shadows have something special to look forward to this summer as Big Finish Productions reunites members of the original television cast for two long-awaited audio sequels.
Originally airing between 1966 and 1971, Dark Shadows became a cult phenomenon by blending daytime soap opera drama with vampires, ghosts, witches, werewolves, and other supernatural horrors. More than fifty years after leaving television screens, the series continues to enjoy a devoted fanbase.
The new release, Dark Shadows: Return to Collinwood & Vengeance at Collinwood, collects two rare full-cast productions together for the very first time.
Originally performed as a stage play during the 2003 Dark Shadows Festival, Return to Collinwood was subsequently recorded as a full-cast audio drama. Its follow-up, Vengeance at Collinwood, debuted live at the 2005 festival in Hollywood but has never before received an official release.
The box set also includes a bonus disc featuring the late Jonathan Frid, who famously portrayed vampire Barnabas Collins, performing dramatic readings of The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe and The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall, along with a rare archive radio interview from 1968.
The stories reunite an impressive collection of original Dark Shadows cast members, including David Selby as Quentin Collins, Nancy Barrett as Carolyn Stoddard Stuart, Lara Parker as Cassandra Collins/Angelique, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen, Roger Davis, Marie Wallace, Christopher Pennock, Jerry Lacy, James Storm, Terry Crawford, and Donna Wandrey.
Producer Jim Pierson reflected on the enduring appeal of the franchise:
“It’s truly amazing that six decades after Dan Curtis launched Dark Shadows, the series continues to enthral legions of original viewers as well as new followers. The first-time release of Vengeance at Collinwood is particularly poignant as it features a wonderful performance by beloved late actress Lara Parker, who plays to perfection the part of vengeful witch Angelique.
“It’s also a fitting tribute that the story, along with Return to Collinwood, is written by Jamison Selby, son of Dark Shadows actor David Selby. This is a tremendous anniversary gift to all the fans.”
Dark Shadows: Return to Collinwood & Vengeance at Collinwood is now available to pre-order for £19.99 as a digital download or £29.99 as a download plus a limited collector’s edition CD box set. The physical release is limited to 1,000 copies and will not be repressed.
The release arrives in July 2026, with all purchases including immediate access to the digital edition via the Big Finish app on release day.
Just to clarify: Return to Collinwood isn’t rare at all. It’s been widely available on CD for about 20 years. The only rare part of this is Vengeance at Collinwood, which was a “lost” story until now.