84 Charing Cross Road

​

by Helene Hanff

adapted for the stage by James Roose-Evans

​

Genre:                    Drama

Director:                 Deborah Fabbro

Season:                  11 – 27 February 2027

 

Synopsis:

84 Charing Cross Road is a true story adapted to a warm, witty, and deeply touching play about an unexpected friendship that blossoms across the Atlantic.

In 1949, Helene Hanff, a penniless New York scriptwriter, started a 20-year  correspondence with Frank Doel, a reserved London bookseller, after ordering some hard-to-find titles.

Through years of letters, what starts as a simple business exchange grows into a rich, affectionate bond—full of humour, kindness, and a shared love of literature.

The play is a dramatization of their letters, set in Frank’s London bookshop and Helene’s New York apartment, and covering a period of over 20 years. It’s a charming story about connection, the magic of books, and how meaningful relationships can form in the most unlikely ways.

​

Audition Dates:      Sunday 18 October and Monday 19th October 2026

Audition Time:       7:30 PM

Audition Location:  LATC Castella Street Lilydale

​

Audition Requirements:

It is necessary that you are familiar with the play and should know it well enough to be able to describe the “story”. A copy of the script is available from the director.

 

Audition will be by individual appointment, at 15 minute intervals.

Auditions will involve reading from specified sections of the script. There is no need to memorise anything for the audition. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to review the audition pieces.

​

Character Descriptions

​

NB: The role of Frank Doel has been precast.

​

Helene Hanff – Outspoken, witty and sharp, dedicated to literature and writing. Single. Onstage almost continuously. Must be able to sustain an American accent throughout.

​

Both these characters have substantial monologues and must be comfortable with direct address.

 

The supporting roles are absolutely essential and form a choreographed background to the dialogue between Helene and Frank. Some have few or even no lines but are no less important for that. There may be some doubling of some of these roles.

 

Cecily Farr – playing age late 20s–40s. Cecily is a warm and friendly employee of Marks & Co who begins corresponding with Helene independently of Frank.

 

Megan Wells – playing age 20s–40s. Megan is Frank’s colleague at Marks & Co and secretary to the bookshop’s owners.

 

Mr Martin – playing age 50+. A senior member of the Marks & Co staff. A characterful supporting role and an important part of the bookshop.

 

Bill Humphries – playing age 30s–40s. A member of the Marks & Co team who becomes part of Helene’s extended circle of friends at the shop.

 

Joan Todd – playing age 30s–40s. Appears later in the play as bookshop assistant

 

Thomas – playing age 20s. Appears later in the play as junior bookshop assistant

 

Maxine Stuart – Flamboyant New York actress and friend of Helene’s who visits London ; American accent

 

Ages are indicative and approximate only. An actor’s true age may be different from the age of the character if they look and sound right for the part. Please do not hesitate to audition because you are uncertain about the suitability of your age.

​

NB: the role of Frank Doel has been precast.

​

 

REHEARSALS:

Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:30pm, and

Sundays 11:00am-4:00pm

 

The first read thru will be on Tuesday 24 November 2026. There will be a break over the holiday period. Last rehearsal in Dec will be Wed 16th Dec and we will start back on Sunday 10 January

Actors need to be able to commit unconditionally not only for the entire performance season but also for all scheduled rehearsals at which their attendance is required.

​

ENQUIRIES: Deborah Fabbro orbbaf@ozemail.com.au or 0416 141 838