Auditions are open for InPlayers' Spring 2027 production: 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff.
This play, directed by Rae Gerritsen, is a warm, witty and deeply moving play about an extraordinary friendship conducted entirely through letters.
We encourage all aspiring actors of 18 and above, of all ethnicities, abilities and gender identities to sign up to audition for the characters they’d like to portray. Please fill out and submit the audition form below before end of day Sat. 31 October, 2026.
Video Auditions: Auditions are in-person, but additional video submissions are encouraged.
Video Audition Deadline: 30 October, 2026
Audition Date: 7 November, 2026
Audition Location: Nexus 8, Zeeburgpad 8, Amsterdam
Performances Dates:
Thu. 11 March, 2027, evening
Fri. 12 March, 2027, evening
Sat. 13 March, 2027, evening
Sun. 14 March, 2027, afternoon
Performance Location: Amsterdam Theaterhuis
Director: Rae Gerritsen
Synopsis of the Play: Based on a true story, 84 Charing Cross Road follows the twenty-year correspondence between outspoken New York writer Helene Hanff and reserved London bookseller Frank Doel. Beginning in 1949, their shared love of books grows into an unlikely transatlantic friendship, in a warm, witty and bittersweet story about human connection.
About the Director: Rae Gerritsen has a long background in theatre, primarily in stage management and production management, alongside directing and other production roles in both the UK and Amsterdam. Most recently, she directed the European premiere of Silver Foxes for InPlayers during WorldPride 2026.
Characters:
Helene Hanff - playing age 30s–50s. Outspoken, funny, intelligent and wonderfully direct New York writer whose twenty-year correspondence with Marks & Co forms the heart of the play. A major role with a great deal of text and direct address. Requires a strong, convincing American accent, excellent line-learning skills and an actor who is very comfortable with monologues.
Frank Doel - A reserved, courteous and quietly witty London bookseller who gradually develops a deep friendship with Helene through their letters. A major role requiring subtlety, warmth and excellent comic timing. Requires a natural, well-spoken British accent, excellent line-learning skills and confidence with substantial monologues and direct address.
Cecily Farr / Mrs Todd - playing age late 20s–40s. Cecily is a warm and friendly employee of Marks & Co who begins corresponding with Helene independently of Frank. The same actor will later play Mrs Todd, who appears during the closing of the shop. Two contrasting supporting roles with plenty of character.
Megan Wells / Maxine Stuart / Susan - playing age 20s–40s. Three contrasting roles. Megan is Frank’s colleague at Marks & Co; Maxine is Helene’s glamorous actress friend visiting London; Susan is a young new employee seen during the shop’s final days. A fun multi-role track requiring a versatile actor who can create clearly differentiated characters and perform both a convincing British accent and a good American accent.
Mr Martin - playing age 50s–60s. A senior member of the Marks & Co staff, described in the play as around sixty. A characterful supporting role and an important part of the bookshop world, particularly as the story moves towards its conclusion.
Bill Humphries - playing age 30s–50s. A member of the Marks & Co team who becomes part of Helene’s extended circle of friends at the shop. A warm supporting role with an important presence in the later part of the story.
We’re also looking to strengthen the team that will produce this play. Click here to see how you can help!