A pointed, wryly amusing look at relationships in the modern world. Ray is a cold caller, he lives in London with his best friend Danny, and is still mourning the break up of his relationship five years on. Anya owns a coffee shop in Salisbury, her friend Eva is an author of children’s books, yet she dislikes children intensely. When Ray cold calls Anya, a friendship develops, each coming to rely on the other. We hear from Ray, Anya, Danny and Eva, often learning more about each person from their friend, rather than from the person themselves. Russell Mardell manages the four tales with aplomb. From speed-dating to tomato-gate this is an amusing tale that bites (with barbed fangs). ~ Liz Robinson
Still reeling from the break-up with the love of his life, insurance firm cold-caller Ray English has become a bit of a screw up. Cynical and withdrawn, Ray is aimlessly drifting through life in London with his long suffering best friend, Danny. However, once he is asked to reform his college band for a friend's wedding, Ray is soon forced to face up to his old life, and the hometown he had tried so hard to turn his back on. Anya Belmont is a woman with a secret and a history that continues to shape her life. A coffee shop owner in Salisbury, Anya is successful, yet bored; married, yet lonely. She is also slowly being driven to distraction by her highly temperamental friend, the child-hating children's author, Eva Cunningham. Through fate, coincidence or just bad timing, Ray and Anya's lives begin to change when Ray cold-calls Anya and the two strike up a seemingly innocuous conversation. Against their better judgement, their conversation is soon the start of a relationship played out over the phone. But can there ever be anything real in a phone call?
'A refreshingly modern take on romance and friendship, 'Cold Calling' spikes with warmth and wisdom. Genuinely funny, shrewdly observed and really rather brilliant'. Caroline Smailes
Author
About Russell Mardell
Russell Mardell originally trained in film production, producing numerous short films and a forthcoming music documentary. He also writes for the stage and is a member of Salisbury Fringe in his hometown, which promotes new writing. His former books published by Matador include Darkshines Seven, Bleeker Hill and Stone Bleeding.
