Psychological horror at its best and written by a master craftsman!

Of Night Shadows is a wonderfully tense one-act by John Mabey. The setup is quick as Matilda and Angus hide from a stranger passing by on the street. Each new development of the plot is thrilling, leading to a conclusion that chills. The script uses the viewer's imagination to evoke its horror, which is my favorite way to see it on the stage.

John Mabey’s moody psychological horror explores universal human experiences—persistent guilt, paranoia, secrets within a marriage— personified in an unseen antagonist, lurking just offstage. With echoes of Poe (and I Know What You Did Last Summer), this dark tale asks: what would we forgive or deny to stay married and stay sane? And can what we’ve chosen to repress ever truly stay hidden?

OF NIGHT SHADOWS’ strength lies both in its dream-like dialogue and the space between the words, the unspoken. Its evocative imagery and fantastically spooky ending would be a treat for designers and directors alike.