Episode 1

full
Published on:

12th Jun 2026

The Reckoning

The Reckoning

When a stranger sits down in a barber's chair, everything seems ordinary.

But as the conversation unfolds a creeping sense of dread takes hold. Does this man know something? Is he here by coincidence — or by design?

Based on Percival Wilde's gripping 1922 one-act play, The Reckoning is a tense two-character drama about guilt, secrets, and the moment a man realizes the past never truly stays buried.

Featuring:

Jae "gamejae" Shinn as the Customer

Eric VanRensselaer as the Barber

Music by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

For the best experience, headphones are recommended

Nocturne Cipher is an independent audio drama, created by one person and brought to life by a talented cast. Each episode explores new worlds and experiences, but they're all built on the same principle: The Art of the Atmosphere.

To keep these stories coming and to fairly compensate everyone behind the mic, we rely on listener support. If this episode entertained you—if it took you somewhere unexpected—you can chip in directly at nocturnecipher.com/tip

Tips of $25 or more are credited by name on the following episode. Use any name you like, or no name at all—just let us know when you tip. :)

Every amount, big or small, fuels the next chapter. If you can't contribute right now, we're grateful you're here. Help us reach more people and share the show!

Thank you for spending this time with us.

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About the Podcast

Nocturne Cipher
Art of the Atmosphere
At Nocturne Cipher, our passion is creating high-quality audio dramas that embody the art of the atmosphere. We bring great stories to life through immersive sound design and the talent of real voice actors—no AI, just authentic human emotion.
From psychological thrillers to timeless mysteries, each episode is a fully-produced audio experience that draws you into another world. We adapt classic and public domain works alongside original stories, crafting character-driven dramas meant to be felt as much as heard.
Press play, close your eyes, and step into the atmosphere