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 Petrina Richardson 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 Judith Khatri 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. Well you can expect suspense, edge of your seat moments, action. You can also expect to relate to some of the characters. Also to see a lot of creativity. Gory deaths. Don’t want to spoil too much haha!
Q. How did you get involved in the film and what first attracted you to the character of Judith Khatri?
A. So I originally put myself forward for the character Rey who is played by Angelique (who is so talented and perfect for the role!!). I wasn’t successful in that, but at The Romford Horror Film Festival 2025 I went to chat to MJ after watching Wrath of Thorn (2025). We got chatting as I had been following Mycho online for about a year or so and went to congratulate him. He recognised me from socials and then a couple of months later he messaged me saying I have this role for Bannister for the character called Judi. He said here’s the script and if you want it, it’s yours. I would say when reading the script, I was first attracted to Judith’s personality. I felt it was like mine in some ways.
Q. What sort of preparation did you to do for the role?
A. The preparation I did for the role was making sure I had learnt my lines. I tried saying my lines at different speeds and pauses once I was confident with them. I also upped my fitness a little as I knew it was going to be late night shoots so wanted to make sure my body could cope with that.
Q. Are there any elements of the character which you feel reflect some of your own personality?
A. I feel Judith is a very caring character and thinks of how for example how Rey is feeling that her boyfriend is bleeding out to death. Judith is quite a forgiving character but doesn’t let the other walk over her and says what she thinks which I feel reflects my personality.
Q. Did you make any changes to the character from how it was originally written?
A. No I don’t think I did. I think the character was originally meant to be South Asian. I don’t know if MJ knew this when casting me, but I am half Sri Lankan so when Judith talks about her family it felt very natural.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. Oh there were so many. I loved when we had this super tense moment between the criminals and Officer Lawford, I could literally feel goosebumps and just felt so immersed in the scene. Another favourite moment of mine is when I got to be the arms/hands of the monster for certain shots. I also loved bringing out the angry side of my character with Phil who plays Frank. It was such an emotional change compared to when you first meet Judith. Special mention to the moments where we all burst out laughing during takes.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. So I came down with tonsillitis just before the first lot of filming. I didn’t know if my voice was going to cope but with lots of rest in between the night shoots and Lemsip I got through it!
Q. What makes Bannister Doll Heist stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I think the use of lighting in the film makes it stand out. MJ is such a genius and just how the film looks visually makes it stand out. Also, the way things are done creatively with how things look on camera
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I hope people really see the passion that has gone into making this film. Every person on set just put their all into this so I hope everyone who watches it can see that.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. So, I have three confirmed projects. I have been cast in a film called My Brain My World where I play the role of Margaret and will be filming later this year. I got cast in a feature called Delta Protocol where I will be playing the role of Carla who is a policewoman which is also filming later this year.
I am currently working on a horror short which is a shared collaboration between myself, Tony Wiseman and Andrea Sandell. And special mention to Andrea who if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be doing this interview!
Q. If someone was looking to get into acting what advice would you give them?
A. I would say go to local film festivals as that’s a great way of meeting people in the independent film industry. For experience I would say get on a production crew. It’s a great way of seeing it from the other side and it makes you a much better actor. Be a sponge! And what I mean by that is watch and listen when you are on set. It is invaluable what you learn. Also be helpful! On a lot of independent film sets everyone is mucking in so to speak. Look after yourself! Physically it can be really demanding on your body and voice. So, remember to eat and drink lots of water!
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!
