Film Name: Bannister Doll Heist
Director: MJ Dixon
Writers: MJ Dixon
Starring: Angelique Taylor, Philip Andrew Rogers, Petrina Richardson, Jack Granville, Christopher Morley, William Marshall
The Bannister Doll has spent years locked away in an old evidence locker, tonight 4 thieves are about to find they just stole the wrong package.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds I got a chance to ask actor William Marshall a few questions about the film ‘Bannister Doll Heist‘ which will have its World Premiere at Horror-on-Sea on Sunday 18th January at 12:30hrs.
Q. You play Officer James Lawford in the upcoming horror ‘Bannister Doll Heist’ which has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. What can we expect from the film?
A. Audiences can expect a gripping narrative of suspense, intrigue, supernatural horror and character conflict as our group of protagonists fight for their lives to survive until the dawn.
Bannister Doll Heist blends gritty action sequences and intense character driven drama all with an overarching sense of impending dread. MJ and the Mycho team deliver several amazing practical VFX from standout work with creature puppetry, performance by Alex Bourne, to the visceral and graphic bloodshed that befalls a host of the characters we meet, in true Mycho fashion. The film displays some career best performances by many returning faces and some new ones to the Mycho Horror Universe. There is something for every horror fan to enjoy in this film, with a few added surprises and twists in store.
Q. What first attracted you to the character and what sort of preparation did you to do for the role?
A. During the start of 2025, I was originally going to be involved with helping MJ and Jack Granville produce the first series of Hexagon. Sadly, due to conflicts with my work schedule that did not happen. After filming had finished for that, I spoke with MJ offering my apologies for being unavailable and we spoke then about the upcoming Bannister sequel. MJ had initially lined up another actor to play the role but, he offered me the character. Instinctively I said yes! However, given that we would be shooting in May and I had personal commitments and was struggling to get time off work again, it looked like it wasn’t meant to be. Thankfully, I managed to get the shoot dates off and started getting to work of learning the lines and creating the character.
Lawford was a big contrast to characters I had played in past; there was a lot more layers to him. There are two very distinct personalities to Lawford’s character, which I don’t want to give to much away for the sake of the film. But the biggest test for me was developing the juxtaposition of his character from the start of the film, to when we get to the real grit of the narrative. I just hope that I did a good enough job and brought the character that MJ wanted to life on screen.
Q. Are there any elements of the character which you feel reflect some of your own personality?
A. Oh dear, I sincerely hope not! But, with all characters I portray, I try to bring a sense of naturalism and realism to their portrayal and draw off how what their experiences would make feel or react. Despite being in the indie horror genre where performances are open to be slightly overembellished or even a little campy, I try to remain as rooted in a natural thought process when creating my characters and try not to draw on other inspirations unless necessary or directed to. So in short, yes there are elements of me within Lawford’s character, but I hope it’s good ones. You’ll find out when you watch the film.
Q. Did you make any changes to the character from how it was written?
A. Not that I can remember. I try to stay true to a director’s vision. However, given that MJ and I have worked together for many years, we are always happy to bounce ideas for edits or changes on the fly when we are on set. If we feel we can change something for the better for the film or develop an unexplored avenue for character growth, then we are always happy to try. The great thing on these sets as well, is the input and support you have from fellow cast and crew. Everyone is always happy to offer suggestions or ideas you might not have considered, which I think is a massive strength to have with you. Collaboration is a big part of what we do as film makers, and we should encourage it for the better of everyone’s performance and the betterment of the production.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. Getting to work with several new cast members and some fellow actors that I have wanted to share the screen with. Working opposite JP Gates is always a pleasure and we have a long-standing working relationship on film sets. I thoroughly enjoyed my scenes with Philip Rogers, as our characters share some intense and gripping moments throughout the film and then engaging in a lot of on set banter with each other. Angelique, Petrina and Jack all fitted in so well with the Mycho team and all brought so much positive energy to the set. They were fun, kind, supportive and brought their A game every day.
Martin Payne and Jack helped me a lot with helping to production manage the set and took the pressure off each other when actors had to jump from crew roles to being cast again. Isaac Larwence was great at just getting stuck in, doing what was asked of him and was a big support to MJ from a filmmaking perspective in tackling any problems we faced.
Then, there was Christopher Morley. Chris’ performance as Mr. Bannister was beyond exceptional! He was
a pleasure to work with and to watch work. He brought intensity, a dep emotional range, chilling line delivery and fantastically cold on-screen presence to the character. He was an amazing fit for the role. Being on any Mycho set is a pure joy for me but, this one has a special place in my heart and it’s always thanks to MJ and the people he surrounds himself with.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. As all independent filmmakers know, nothing is ever smooth sailing on a set. This was no exception, but we didn’t face any major challenges or concerns. Given that we were filming in an art studio in Milton Keynes where other creatives and people worked, we had to be considerate of what spaces we used. Thankfully, this was mitigated by us doing night shoots, so we weren’t in anyone else’s way or obstructing their work. However, there were times we would have to have redress locations and move things around to get what we wanted visually from the set. It was a good thing we had Martin and Jack to hand who help organise everyone into making sure that we left the locations as we had found them in order not to cause any problems with the studio owners.
Q. What makes Bannister Doll Heist stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. Bannister Doll Heist provides an experience where many horror fans will recognise several subtle nuances and references to the heist and supernatural genres with its deeply unsettling atmosphere, high octane action sequences, mouth watering practical VFX and more gore than you can shake a severed arm at. As is always the case with MJ making a new feature within his horror universe, it provides an opportunity for new audiences to dive straight into a fresh narrative without having to have seen previous Mycho entries, yet still feels like returning fans don’t miss a single beat with references to previous films in the franchise and provides a twist as to where the Mychoverse is headed next.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I just hope that audiences have a fun time watching the film and see that we are moving to the next level of production quality even with minimal to no budget. As I think is always the case with most indie filmmakers, it’s recognising and supporting each other’s achievements that we create when given so little and is a credit to all the creative talent involved, I hope audiences are excited about what we are doing with the Mycho brand and are just as eager to see what comes next. Plus, if a few more offers come my way afterward, that is always a bonus!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. As of now, most of my recent projects have entered postproduction. I am hoping most of them will be releasing in 2026. For this year, I am looking to work with the Mycho team yet again on their film slate for both feature films and their Patreon project line up. This does include a short film called KILL WILL, which was teased a couple of years ago and we have been waiting for the right opportunity to make. It is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a film about yours truly and how he dies in every film he is in. I am looking to work with Mark Lawrence on his short film SNUG this year, just waiting on the script and the go ahead for that. MJ Dixon and I also have a special secret project that we pitched last year and will be looking to develop further this year. We are hoping to put the film into production this year, which will be produced by Andy Edwards of Paranoid Android Films. However, I can’t say anymore on that project yet.
Q. If someone was looking to get into acting what advice would you give them?
A. I would suggest for them to seek every opportunity possible and take it with both hands. Always be willing to go out of your comfort zone and network with people within the community. Every set you get on, ask your fellow actors and crew what their experiences have been, what are they working and build relationships. Be friendly, polite, professional and always turn knowing what the expectations are of you and what you expect from the experience.
Photos by Asher Chan
Bannister Doll Heist will have its World Premiere at Horror-on-Sea on Sunday 18th January at 12:30hrs.
You can find out more about Bannister Doll Heist and purchase tickets for the film here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
