Bullshot a hoot at Riverlea

Some of the stars of Bullshot Crummond (l-r) Janelle Javier as Lenya von Bruno, Anne Jordan as Rosemary Fenton and Mike Williams who plays several parts.

English professor Rupert Fenton is in a spot of bother, and who better than Bullshot Crummond to the rescue.

A madcap pulp-fiction character of 1930s detective films, Bullshot Crummond is the unflappable, if not always bright, British hero who will stop at nothing to stop the nasty Otto Von Brunno and his evil mistress Lenya from getting their hands on the professor's secret formula.

With an hilarious car chase and sticks of dynamite added to mix, Riverlea Theatre's latest detective spoof, Bullshot Crummond appealed to young Hamilton student Janelle Javier so she decided to audition.

"I Googled Bullshot Crummond and thought 'that looks fun' and decided to go for an audition," Janelle said.

Landing her first role as evil mistress Lenya Von Brunno, Javier says she is more excited than nervous about the role.

And when encased in her black leather corset and black boots, Javier's alter ego takes over.

"I don't usually wear much black but when I put on the corset and boots my evil femme fatale really comes alive and I really have fun."

Her sweet counterpart, professor's daughter Miss Rosemary Fenton is played by Anne Jordan who says she feels for her character.

"I definitely feel for Rosemary - she is a very sweet character, very spoilt and daddy's girl."

Ms Jordan says she "absolutely loves" the 1920s-30s era.

"I feel I was completely born in the wrong era, I so love the glitz and glamour of that whole period and I just immerse myself in the role as Rosemary."

As a young child Anne was taken by her mother to see a ballet performance by the late Dame Margot Fonteyn.

"I was only seven, but it had an immediate effect on me and I have loved theatre and dance ever since."

Fonteyn was also the catalyst for Mike Williams who plays seven characters in Bullshot.

Williams was last seen at Riverlea Theatre as Mal Beineke in The Addams Family.

"I blame my mother ... like Anne I was also taken to see Dame Margot Fonteyn when I was four," Mike said.

"Really it was about being exposed to a live show, it began to broaden my education."

Mike is a graduate of the New Zealand Drama School (Toi Whakaari) and has worked professionally in Wellington and at Court Theatre in Christchurch.

Playing seven roles in Bullshot, Williams says his focus is on making each character memorable.

"If I can make the characters memorable, even if they are only on stage for a few quick exchanges in dialogue I am happy. But the thing about this play is, it has to be obvious to the audience that it's the same actor doing these roles.

"Honestly playing in Bullshot is a total hoot."

The cast is rehearsing three times a week and director Ron Dalton says he has a dream team.

"I am very lucky with the cast. They have exceeded my expectations."

In 1984 Bullshot Crummond was the second show that Dalton acted in.

"I can honestly say that show cemented my interest in theatre and ever since then I have been wanting to stage it in Hamilton."

Bullshot Crummond is at Riverlea Theatre from July 2-16. Tickets from iticket.co.nz