Tales of the Unexpected

An eccentric stranger arrives in the town and bewitches the children with his magic, but he appears to have something else up his sleeve. The story unfolds as a drama, featuring Derek Jacobi in the lead role and explores the mystery surrounding his intentions.

Stranger in Town is a stand‑alone drama episode that forms part of a television programme. The title itself hints at the arrival of an outsider who will temporarily disrupt the ordinary rhythm of the community. As a piece of scripted drama, it’s designed to unfold within a single instalment, delivering a concise narrative that centres on a single, striking character. The story opens with an eccentric newcomer stepping into the town and instantly capturing the imagination of the local children. He dazzles them with a series of tricks that appear to be genuine magic, drawing the youngsters into a world of wonder. Yet, beneath the spectacle, there’s an implication that his motives extend beyond simple amusement, suggesting that the stranger may be harbouring a concealed purpose. The episode is framed as a drama, focusing on the tension between the charm of the stranger’s magical display and the growing suspicion that something else lies beneath his performance. By concentrating on the children’s fascination and the adult community’s unease, the narrative builds a subtle contrast between innocence and hidden intent, all within the limited runtime of a single episode. Overall, the programme uses the stranger’s enchanting tricks as a catalyst for tension, inviting viewers to question what lies behind the spectacle while maintaining the concise structure of an episodic drama.