Horror-on- Sea interview with actresses Tiana Rogers and Susan Lee Burton for Bannister Dollhouse

Bannister Dollhouse (2019)

Director: MJ Dixon

Writer: MJ Dixon

Stars: Tiana Rogers, Susan Lee Burton, Emmeline Kellie, Grant Kempster, Chloe Badham

It seemed to be a Christmas like any other in the Bannister household, when an unexpected gift is found under the tree; an old porcelain doll which was address to the youngest daughter Molly. What seems like an innocent gift suddenly leads to tragedy as it sets off a chain of events which begins to tear the family apart.

Date & Venue: Sunday 20th January 15:00

Park Inn by Radisson Palace, Southend, Church Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2AL, UK

With Bannister DollHouse premiering at Horror-on-sea Film Festival I got a chance to ask actresses Tiana Rogers and Susan Lee Burton a few questions about what we can expect from the film.

Bannister DollHouse Interview – Tiana Rogers


Q. Bannister DollHouse has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, what can people expect from the film?

People can expect a tension filled psychological thriller that builds as the film progresses. Prepare to be scared! Spine chilling and jam packed with evil, Bannister Dollhouse will terrify! For Mycho fans this is so different to the normal Mycho films so they will be in for a real treat

Q. You play Molly Bannister in the film. Can you tell us a little bit about you character?

Molly is the third daughter of Mary and Kenneth Bannister. Sherry is the eldest daughter then Dotty. Molly receives a gift which is full of evil that possesses her and evil slowly takes over Molly. Molly plays with her doll all the time and is like a normal little girl playing with a dolly. However, the evil inside Molly, does not like the family wishes to help make Molly ‘better’ and takes over Molly, turning her into a very dangerous young lady! We also see Molly showing the ability to control the doll with her mind like we see in Slasher House 2

Q. What sort of preparation did you do for the role?


Tiana Rogers as Molly in Slasher House 2

I also had the task of acting and looking like a younger girl than when I played Molly in the previous movie Slasher House 2 (2016) as I was two years older. I did not have to speak In Slasher House 2 therefore I had to work on the ‘voice of Molly’ who in Bannister dollhouse is a few years younger than I actually am.

To get the creepy young girl appearance, I watched the ring and orphan. I really wanted to make every move count and help me act as a sinister young girl which I hope comes across to the audience

Q. Did you make any changes to the character from how it was written in the original script?

No, not really, just worked really hard to make every move, word, twitch and look hit home with as much sinister as I could when required.

Q. Did you experience any issues whist filming Bannister DollHouse?

It was an amazing week in an actual family home which we all pretty much spent the week at filming, so the only main issue was who was cooking and washing up – fortunately there was an amazing team to take care of everything. If I had to dig up an issue, the only thing I could think of would be that we had a lot of external noise while filming. Cars and aeroplanes made capturing sound almost impossible because the house where the film was being made was on a main road and near to an airport!

Q. What was one of your favourite moments during filming?

Working together with the other amazing actors and the Mycho team for a whole week in a house! It really felt like we were a family as we would spend time together for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it was lovely to spend so much time with each actor.

One of my favourite moments though was when I went upstairs to put on my Molly Banister costume on and Anna called my name. I turned around to see her, and as I turned I saw the huge tall doll creature, by the doorway in costume for the first time and I was so scared I could not stop saying ‘OH MY GOD’ repeatedly as I was so shocked and scared at the same time, because I was not expecting that at all!   

Q. What do you think makes Bannister DollHouse stand out in the horror genre?

I think the things that makes Banister Dollhouse stand out is the quality of the script, filming and the great cast. Also, having a young girl as a crazed possessed killer is always super creepy and intensely scary.

Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?

I am currently working on a film called The Flock, Filming should complete in the Summer. I am playing a young feral girl in a zombie filled apocalyptic world. I also hope to be supporting the Mycho team on the upcoming projects.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get into acting?

If you are looking to do acting, I suggest you take every opportunity you get, join in any theatre or films to gain as much experience as you can get and meet new people to start a great journey.


Bannister DollHouse Interview – Susan Lee Burton

Q. Bannister DollHouse has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, what can people expect from the film?

Bannister DollHouse is creepy! It’s an un-nerving, super-natural tale set against the backdrop of a ‘normal’ family home!

Q. You play Mary Bannister in the film. Can you tell us a little bit about you character?

Mary is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth woman. She is a wife and mother trying to keep her family together and do what she thinks is best for her daughters through difficult and somewhat unusual circumstances.

Q. What sort of preparation did you do for the role?

Sounds a little obvious but I read the script! All the clues about the character are right there in the words she speaks, how she interacts with those around her and what other people say about her. It’s always my starting point. Then I take time to think how the events in the story would affect me if they were really happening: how I would feel, how I might react. After that I focus on the differences between myself and the character: what she does and says that I perhaps wouldn’t etc. It’s then a process of internalising and owning these differences. Spending some time getting to know my on-screen family also helped a lot!

Q. Did you make any changes to the character from how it was written in the original script?

Not really, at least I don’t think so! You’d probably have to ask MJ!

Q. Did you experience any issues whist filming Bannister DollHouse?

Personally, no.

Q. What was one of your favourite moments during filming?

Honestly, it would be difficult to pick a single favourite moment, I had so much fun filming this movie with the Mychos, everyone involved was super friendly and fun to be around. I felt very privileged to be a part of it and I’ve made some awesome friends. Oh, must not forget one particular highlight was Georgie’s food: she cooked up some lovely meals for the whole cast and crew and it was very much appreciated!


Susan Lee Burton

Q. What do you think makes Bannister DollHouse stand out in the horror genre?

Ooh, now there’s a question! I think you’ll have to watch it and find out!

Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?

I’m currently wearing my ‘costumer’ hat and working on seven costumes for a theatre production of Caged Birds being staged by Black Sheep Collective in Milton Keynes. I’ve also got two short films currently in pre-production which I’ll be acting in, shooting later this year.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get into acting?

If you absolutely have to be an actor, go get some training, go to drama school. The experience of training is truly invaluable and will make you a better actor. Secondly, train to be a plumber, or an electrician or something, you will need a second skill. For the majority of actors finding paid work, enough to pay the rent, is extremely tough, most of us fall back on a ‘day job’, at least when starting out, the more flexible the better. Develop a very thick skin, you’ll need it.  If you just want to act for fun, join an amateur dramatic group or make your own films!

You can find out more about the feature films playing at Horror-on-Sea Film Festival and details of tickets on the website.