84 Charing Cross Road

Writer: Helene Hanff
Adapted by James Roose-Evans
Directed by Hilary Norrish

1993



  • BBC
    Format: 2 x Audio Cassettes

  • Helene Hanff . . . . . . . . . Miriam Karlin
    Frank Doel. . . . . . . . . Frank Finlay
    Cecily / Ginny . . . . . . . . . Sarah Woodward
    Maxine . . . . . . . . . Charmian May
    Megan / Charlady . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Findlay
    Mary Boulton / Joan . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Bradley
    Nora / Kay . . . . . . . . . Anna Nygh
    Alvin / Ed / Bill. . . . . . . . . Robert Portal
    George / Pilot . . . . . . . . . Peter Penry-Jones

    Also includes:

    The Petition
    by Brian Clark
    Lady Elizabeth Milne . . . . . . . Peggy Ashcroft
    General Sir Edmund Milne . . . . . . . . . John Mills
    Directed by Glyn Dearman



  • "Your ad in the Saturday Review of Literature says that you specialize in out-of print books ... I enclose a list of my pressing problems ... "

    So began the literary love affair between Miss Helene Hanff of New York City and Messrs Marks and Co, the sellers of rare and second hand books at 84 Charing Cross Road. A love affair which was to span over 20 years of happy transactions and fond correspondence.

    A friendship of most unusual pen-pals, delightfully recreated on audio, starring Frank Finlay and Miriam Karlin.

    James Roose-Evans has had a very distinguished career as a theatre director, writer on experimental theatre and teacher at RADA and Central School. In 1959 Roose-Evans founded the Hampstead Theatre Club and remained their till 1971 - with many productions transferring to the West End.

    He is probably best known for 84 Charing Cross Road, which he adapted for the stage - directing its world premiere at the Salisbury Playhouse in the summer of 1981.

    Frank and James first worked together in The Waltz Of The Toreadors by Jean Anouilh at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in 1958 which James directed.

    Frank played Frank Doel in the Hugh Whitemore adaptation of 84 Charing Cross Road for the BBC's Play for Today (1975) and his old friend from early NT days Sir Anthony Hopkins would play the part in the 1987 film version.