THE PALLID MASK
A full cast horror audio drama inspired by Robert W. Chambers’ cult weird fiction collection, The King in Yellow.
Airing every Friday from October 30, 2026.
Synopsis
Desperate to get back on the bestseller list, Dr. Molly Bedrook sifts through histories of banned literature for a topic worthy of her next book. She finds references to The King in Yellow, a stage-play so widely condemned that even she can’t get her hands on a copy. With the help of her PhD students Zee and Carl, she uncovers the unsettling stories surrounding it: stories littered with asylums, conspiracies, and untimely ends.
As they dig deeper into the lives — and bizarre deaths — of the those affected by the play, they start down a dangerous, reality-bending road. But despite the many cautionary tales she’s uncovered, Molly knows her writing career can’t survive another commercial flop.
And there’s one surefire path to success: locate a surviving copy of The King in Yellow.
About the show
The Pallid Mask is written by Jordan Acosta, and brought to you by Alternative Stories, the creative minds behind the award-winning sci-fi audio drama, The Dex Legacy, in collaboration with Hawberk Press.
Episode Guides
Episode #1: The Coronet, Act I
Airs Friday October 30, 2026
New York, 1919. The victory over Germany is still in the eye of the American public. Eugene Bardin gathers vital intelligence on Coney Island for his royal masters, but things take a turn for the strange when he realises his operation is being surveilled. Imposters, secrets and madness await those who receive the Yellow Sign.
Episode #2: The Coronet, Act II
Airs Friday November 6, 2026
Eugene’s reconciled with Maggie, but the Bureau’s increasing surveillance has jeopardised his intelligence operation on Coney Island. Halloween presents a rare opportunity to connect with an imperial agent on Mr. Wilde’s instructions, but complications force Eugene to improvise.
Episode #3: The Coronet, Act III
Airs Friday November 13, 2026
Molly’s tale has captivated her literary agent, Andrew, who’s keen to find out more about The King in Yellow. Meanwhile, the Great Work continues apace in Manhattan, until a chance encounter with an old college roommate derails Eugene’s latest assignment from Mr. Wilde.
Episode #4: The Coronet, Act IV
Airs Friday November 20, 2026
The Great Work approaches its zenith as Spring entices New York’s holiday makers back to Coney Island. Eugene stalks the amusements on the hunt for the Bureau’s agents, intending to unmask a traitor in the Imperial court – once and for all – in service to the Prince in Waiting.