Six people take to the stage in something that is technically not a play, blatantly not on the radio, but still has all the hallmarks of trying something a little different. Bullet takes a moment to adjust to, but it works, and it’s a fun ride.

and it brings the trappings of a 1940s television serial from the screen, through the radio, to the stage.

Bullet tells the story of a superhero which covers everything such a story is expected to – he fights villains, suffers losses, and overcomes challenges. The story is told by six skilled voice actors with theatrical flair, and aided by an impressive range of sound effects.

It’s an ambitious production to say the least. While the actors added as much as they could by way of action from their seats on stage, it was ultimately all a bit of a distracting hybrid. Bullet should be enjoyed ‘ears only’ with your eyes closed – it’s called theatre of the mind for a reason.

Bullet definitely contains some comedy concepts and the odd funny exchange, but ultimately it is more of a more drama than anything else. If I wanted to drag out a superhero analogy, it has  more in common with Michael Keaton’s Batman than the hilarious efforts of Adam West. Anything you’ll laugh at is from over the top acting of the villains rather than well scripted gags.

That’s not to say it’s not worth your time – it’s a slick production, and a great throwback to old style dramatically acted radio serials from the 40s.

Bullet: A Superhero Comedy is on at The Order of Melbourne, Sunday to Thursday 7pm, Saturday 6pm, until April 22nd.