@serenity-js/playwright-test 3.36.2 → 3.37.0

package/CHANGELOG.md

@@ -3,6 +3,19 @@
 All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 See [Conventional Commits](https://conventionalcommits.org) for commit guidelines.
 
+# [3.37.0](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/compare/v3.36.2...v3.37.0) (2025-12-02)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **playwright-test:** introduced axios fixture ([a836746](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/commit/a83674697531622d522c6924db2875188efcc834))
+* **playwright-test:** support for providing extraAbilities without overriding the actors ([5e189ca](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/commit/5e189caa4f4a0f38287f8586f21d8106c7c7dab3))
+* **playwright-test:** useBase supports merging multiple base fixtures ([e37ed77](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/commit/e37ed77ae2cc8c18349096cc82668cf522d2e7f1))
+
+
+
+
+
 ## [3.36.2](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/compare/v3.36.1...v3.36.2) (2025-11-26)
 
 

package/README.md

@@ -1,36 +1,33 @@
-# Serenity/JS
+# Serenity/JS Playwright Test
+
+[![NPM Version](https://badge.fury.io/js/%40serenity-js%2Fplaywright-test.svg)](https://badge.fury.io/js/%40serenity-js%2Fplaywright-test)
+[![Build Status](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/actions/workflows/main.yaml/badge.svg?branch=main)](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/actions)
+[![Maintainability](https://qlty.sh/gh/serenity-js/projects/serenity-js/maintainability.svg)](https://qlty.sh/gh/serenity-js/projects/serenity-js)
+[![Code Coverage](https://qlty.sh/gh/serenity-js/projects/serenity-js/coverage.svg)](https://qlty.sh/gh/serenity-js/projects/serenity-js)
+[![Contributors](https://img.shields.io/github/contributors/serenity-js/serenity-js.svg)](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/graphs/contributors)
+[![Known Vulnerabilities](https://snyk.io/test/npm/@serenity-js/playwright-test/badge.svg)](https://snyk.io/test/npm/@serenity-js/playwright-test)
+[![GitHub stars](https://img.shields.io/github/stars/serenity-js/serenity-js?style=flat)](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js)
 
 [![Follow Serenity/JS on LinkedIn](https://img.shields.io/badge/Follow-Serenity%2FJS%20-0077B5?logo=linkedin)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/serenity-js)
 [![Watch Serenity/JS on YouTube](https://img.shields.io/badge/Watch-@serenity--js-E62117?logo=youtube)](https://www.youtube.com/@serenity-js)
 [![Join Serenity/JS Community Chat](https://img.shields.io/badge/Chat-Serenity%2FJS%20Community-FBD30B?logo=matrix)](https://matrix.to/#/#serenity-js:gitter.im)
 [![Support Serenity/JS on GitHub](https://img.shields.io/badge/Support-@serenity--js-703EC8?logo=github)](https://github.com/sponsors/serenity-js)
 
-[Serenity/JS](https://serenity-js.org) is an innovative open-source framework designed to make acceptance and regression testing
-of complex software systems faster, more collaborative and easier to scale.
-
-⭐️ Get started with Serenity/JS!
-- [Serenity/JS web testing tutorial](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/web-testing/your-first-web-scenario)
-- [Serenity/JS + Playwright Test deep dive](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/test-runners/playwright-test/)
-- [Serenity/JS Handbook](https://serenity-js.org/handbook)
-- [API documentation](https://serenity-js.org/api/)
-- [Serenity/JS Project Templates](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/project-templates/)
+[`@serenity-js/playwright-test`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/) brings full [Serenity reporting](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/reporting/) capabilities to [Playwright Test](https://playwright.dev/docs/intro) and provides fixtures that enable writing tests using the [Screenplay Pattern](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/design/screenplay-pattern/).
 
-👋 Join the Serenity/JS Community!
-- Meet other Serenity/JS developers and maintainers on the [Serenity/JS Community chat channel](https://matrix.to/#/#serenity-js:gitter.im),
-- Find answers to your Serenity/JS questions on the [Serenity/JS Forum](https://github.com/orgs/serenity-js/discussions/categories/how-do-i),
-- Learn how to [contribute to Serenity/JS](https://serenity-js.org/community/contributing/),
-- Support the project and gain access to [Serenity/JS Playbooks](https://github.com/serenity-js/playbooks) by becoming a [Serenity/JS GitHub Sponsor](https://github.com/sponsors/serenity-js)!
+Learn more about using [Serenity/JS with Playwright Test](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/test-runners/playwright-test/)
 
-## Serenity/JS Playwright Test
+## Features
 
-[`@serenity-js/playwright-test`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/) module offers a Serenity/JS reporter
-and fixtures that integrate [Playwright Test](https://playwright.dev/docs/intro) with Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern APIs.
+- Integrates Serenity/JS with Playwright Test using dedicated test fixtures
+- Supports testing websites, web apps, and HTTP APIs
+- Enables [Screenplay Pattern](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/design/screenplay-pattern/) APIs in Playwright Test scenarios
+- Supports all [Serenity/JS reporting features](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/reporting/) and expands native Playwright Test reports
+- TypeScript-first design with strong typing for safer and more predictable test code.
 
-Learn more about using [Serenity/JS with Playwright Test](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/test-runners/playwright-test/)
+## Installation
 
-### Installation
-
-To install this module, use an existing [Playwright Test project](https://playwright.dev/docs/intro) or generate a new one by running:
+Use an existing [Playwright Test project](https://playwright.dev/docs/intro) or generate a new one by running:
 
 ```sh
 npm init playwright@latest
@@ -39,20 +36,43 @@ npm init playwright@latest
 Install the below Serenity/JS modules in your Playwright Test project directory:
 
 ```sh
-npm install --save-dev @serenity-js/assertions @serenity-js/console-reporter @serenity-js/core @serenity-js/serenity-bdd @serenity-js/web @serenity-js/playwright @serenity-js/playwright-test
+npm install --save-dev @serenity-js/assertions @serenity-js/console-reporter @serenity-js/core @serenity-js/rest @serenity-js/serenity-bdd @serenity-js/web @serenity-js/playwright @serenity-js/playwright-test
+```
+
+See the [Serenity/JS Installation Guide](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/installation/).
+
+## Quick Start
+
+```ts
+import { describe, it } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
+import { Navigate, Page } from '@serenity-js/web'
+import { Ensure, startsWith } from '@serenity-js/assertions'
+
+describe('Website', () => {
+    
+    it('should have a title', async ({ actor }) => {
+
+        await actor.attemptsTo(
+            Navigate.to('https://serenity-js.org/'),
+            Ensure.that(Page.current().title(), startsWith('Serenity/JS')),
+        )
+    })
+})
 ```
 
-### Serenity/JS Playwright Fixtures
+Explore the in-depth Serenity/JS and Playwright Test integration guide in the [Serenity/JS Handbook](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/test-runners/playwright-test/).
+
+## Serenity/JS Playwright Fixtures
 
 To use Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern APIs and benefit from the in-depth reporting capabilities,
-import Serenity/JS test fixtures instead of the default ones:
+import Serenity/JS `test` fixtures instead of the default ones:
 
 ```diff
-// example.spec.ts
+// todo_app.spec.ts
 + import { test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
 - import { test } from '@playwright/test'
 
-test.describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
+test.describe('To-do app', () => {
     
     test.describe('New Todo', () => {
 
@@ -66,14 +86,14 @@ test.describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
 If you prefer, Serenity/JS also offers the more concise BDD-style `describe/it` syntax:
 
 ```typescript
-// example.spec.ts
+// todo_app.spec.ts
 import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
 
 test.use({
     headless: true,
 })
 
-describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
+describe('To-do app', () => {
     
     describe('New Todo', () => {
 
@@ -84,28 +104,32 @@ describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
 })
 ```
 
-### Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern Actors
+## Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern Actors
 
-Serenity/JS test fixtures simplify how you instantiate and use [Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern Actors](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Actor/).
+Serenity/JS test fixtures simplify how you manage the [actors](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Actor/).
 
-#### Single-actor scenarios
+### Single-actor scenarios
 
 If your tests need only a single actor, you can inject it using the `actor` fixture.
 To configure the name of your default actor, use the `defaultActorName` configuration property:
 
 ```typescript
-// example.spec.ts
+// todo_app.spec.ts
 
-import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'   // import fixtures
-import { Navigate, Page } from '@serenity-js/playwright'            // import Screenplay Pattern web APIs
-import { Ensure, equals } from '@serenity-js/assertions'            // import Screenplay Pattern assertion APIs                            
+// import fixtures
+import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
+// import Screenplay Pattern web APIs
+import { Navigate, Page } from '@serenity-js/web'
+// import Screenplay Pattern assertion APIs
+import { Ensure, equals } from '@serenity-js/assertions'                                        
 
 test.use({
     headless: true,
-    defaultActorName: 'Serena'  // change default actor name
+    // change default actor name
+    defaultActorName: 'Serena'
 })
 
-describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
+describe('To-do app', () => {
     
     describe('New Todo', () => {
 
@@ -122,118 +146,60 @@ describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
 })
 ```
 
-#### Multi-actor scenarios
+### Multi-actor scenarios
 
-For multi-actor scenarios where you need each actor to use a separate browser, use the `actorCalled` fixture.
-You can also use this pattern to override the default actor name on a per-scenario basis:
+For multi-actor scenarios, for example where you need each actor to use a separate browser, 
+use the `actorCalled` fixture.
 
 ```typescript
-// example.spec.ts
+// todo_app.spec.ts
 
 import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'   // import fixtures
 
-describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
+test.use({
+    // change default actor name
+    defaultActorName: 'Alice' 
+})
+
+describe('To-do app', () => {
     
     describe('Chat app', () => {
 
-        it('should allow actors to send and receive messages', async ({ actorCalled }) => { 
+        it('should allow actors to send and receive messages', async ({ actor, actorCalled, browser }) => { 
 
-            // define part of the workflow performed by the first actor:
-            await actorCalled('Alice').attemptsTo(                               
-                // navigate to a chat app
-                // post a message to Bob
-            )
-
-            // define parts of the workflow performed by the any other actors:
-            await actorCalled('Bob').attemptsTo(                                 
-                // navigate to a chat app
-                // post a reply to Alice
+            // Define part of the workflow performed by the default actor:
+            await actor.attemptsTo(                               
+                // Navigate to a chat app...
+                // Post a message to Bob...
             )
 
+            // Fefine parts of the workflow performed by the any other actors.
             // Note that invoking actorCalled(name) multiple times
             // while using the same name and within the scope of a single test
             // returns the same actor, so you don't need to cache them:
-            await actorCalled('Alice').attemptsTo(                              
-                // check if the reply from Bob is received                      
+            await actorCalled('Bob')
+                // The second actor can use a separate browser instance
+                .whoCan(BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright.using(browser))
+                .attemptsTo(                                 
+                    // Navigate to a chat app...
+                    // Post a reply to Alice...
+                )
+
+
+            await actor.attemptsTo(                              
+                // Check if the reply from Bob is received                      
             )                                                                   
         })
     })
 })
 ```
 
-#### Customising Actors
-
-The default [cast](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Cast) of actors is limited to using a single ability
-to [`BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright/class/BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright).
-
-If you'd like to give your actors additional abilities, like to [`TakeNotes`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/TakeNotes),
-[`CallAnApi`](https://serenity-js.org/api/rest/class/CallAnApi),
-or [`ManageALocalServer`](https://serenity-js.org/api/local-server/class/ManageALocalServer), you can install the relevant Serenity/JS module
-and configure them as follows:
-
-```typescript
-// example.spec.ts
-
-import { Cast, TakeNotes } from '@serenity-js/core'
-import { test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
-import { BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright } from '@serenity-js/playwright'
-import { CallAnApi } from '@serenity-js/rest'                            
-
-test.use({
-    actors: async ({ browser, baseURL }, use) => {
-        await use(
-            Cast.where(actor => actor.whoCan(
-                BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright.using(browser),
-                TakeNotes.usingAnEmptyNotepad(),
-                CallAnApi.at(baseURL),
-            ))
-        )
-    },
-})
-```
-
-For scenarios where different actors need to be configured differently, you can also implement your own `Cast`:
+To learn more about customising actors and managing their abilities, see the [Serenity/JS Handbook section on Playwright Test customisation](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/test-runners/playwright-test/#modifying-default-abilities).
 
-```typescript
-// example.spec.ts
-
-import { Cast } from '@serenity-js/core'
-import { BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright, ExtraBrowserContextOptions } from '@serenity-js/playwright'
-import { test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
-import { CallAnApi } from '@serenity-js/rest'
-import { Browser, BrowserContextOptions } from 'playwright'
-
-class Actors implements Cast {
-    constructor(
-        private readonly browser: Browser,
-        private readonly contextOptions: BrowserContextOptions,
-        private readonly extraContextOptions: ExtraBrowserContextOptions,
-    ) {
-    }
+### Customising test fixtures
 
-    prepare(actor: Actor) {
-        switch (actor.name) {
-            case 'James':
-                return actor.whoCan(BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright.using(this.browser, this.contextOptions, this.extraContextOptions))
-            default:
-                return actor.whoCan(CallAnApi.at(this.contextOptions.baseURL))
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-test.use({
-    actors: async ({ browser, config }) => {
-        await use(new Actors(browser, {
-            defaultNavigationWaitUntil: 'domcontentloaded'
-        }))
-    }
-})
-```
-
-#### Customising test fixtures
-
-[`useFixtures`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/useFixtures/) lets you configure
-Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern actors in a single place,
+The [`useFixtures`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/useFixtures/) function 
+lets you configure your actors in a single place,
 and define custom [test fixtures](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-fixtures) if needed.   
 
 ```typescript
@@ -260,15 +226,16 @@ export const {
 })
 ```
 
-With the custom test API definition in place, use it in your test files instead of the default one:
+Next, use your custom test API definition in your test files:
 
 ```typescript
-// example.spec.ts
+// todo_app.spec.ts
 import { Log } from '@serenity-js/core'
 
-import { describe, it, test } from './my-custom-api'    // Note the custom test API
+// Import describe/it/test from your custom API
+import { describe, it, test } from './my-custom-api'   
 
-describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
+describe('To-do app', () => {
 
     describe('New Todo', () => {
 
@@ -284,7 +251,7 @@ describe('Serenity Screenplay with Playwright', () => {
 })
 ```
 
-### UI Component Testing
+## UI Component Testing
 
 You can use Serenity/JS and Playwright Test to write UI component tests and **reuse your test code** between component and end-to-end test suites.
 
@@ -310,14 +277,14 @@ test('should work', async ({ mount }) => {
 })
 ```
 
-#### Using Serenity/JS Screenplay Pattern Actors for Component Testing
+### Using Serenity/JS actors for Component Testing
 
 Serenity/JS [`useBase(test)`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/useBase/) creates
 a test API that gives you access to all the [`SerenityFixtures`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/)
 you could access in any other regular end-to-end test.
 
-This capability allows you to use [Serenity/JS Actors](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Actor/) and design
-and experiment with your [Screenplay Pattern Tasks](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Task/)
+This capability allows you to use [Serenity/JS actors](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Actor/) and design
+and experiment with your [tasks](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Task/)
 before incorporating them in your high-level acceptance and end-to-end tests.
 
 ```tsx
@@ -349,7 +316,9 @@ describe('EmailInput', () => {
 })
 ```
 
-### Serenity Reports
+Explore the in-depth Serenity/JS and Playwright Test integration guide in the [Serenity/JS Handbook](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/test-runners/playwright-test/).
+
+## Reporting
 
 To use Serenity/JS reporting capabilities, register the `@serenity-js/playwright-test` reporter in your
 `playwright.config.ts` and define the appropriate reporting services (a.k.a. your "stage crew").
@@ -364,11 +333,12 @@ npm install --save-dev @serenity-js/console-reporter @serenity-js/serenity-bdd
 Next, configure your Playwright project as follows:
 
 ```typescript
-// playwright.conf.ts
+// playwright.config.ts
 
-import type { PlaywrightTestConfig } from '@playwright/test'
+import { defineConfig } from '@playwright/test';
+import { SerenityFixtures, SerenityWorkerFixtures } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test';
 
-const config: PlaywrightTestConfig = {
+export default defineConfig<SerenityFixtures, SerenityWorkerFixtures>({
     testDir: './spec',
     
     reporter: [
@@ -387,32 +357,45 @@ const config: PlaywrightTestConfig = {
 
     // Other configuration omitted for brevity
     // For details, see https://playwright.dev/docs/test-configuration
-}
-
-export default config
+})
 ```
 
-Note that Serenity/JS reporters work well with the built-in [Playwright reporters](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-reporters).
+Serenity/JS reporters work well with native [Playwright reporters](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-reporters).
 
-### Reference implementation
+## Documentation
 
-You can find a reference implementation demonstrating how to integrate Serenity/JS with Playwright Test in the [Serenity/JS
-GitHub repository](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/tree/main/examples/playwright-test-todomvc).
+- [API Reference](https://serenity-js.org/api/)
+- [Screenplay Pattern Guide](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/design/screenplay-pattern/)
+- [Serenity/JS Project Templates](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/project-templates/)
+- [More examples and reference implementations](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js/tree/main/examples)
+- [Tutorial: First Web Scenario](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/tutorials/your-first-web-scenario/)
+- [Tutorial: First API Scenario](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/tutorials/your-first-api-scenario/)
 
-## 📣 Stay up to date
+## Contributing
 
-New features, tutorials, and demos are coming soon!
-Follow [Serenity/JS on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/serenity-js),
-subscribe to [Serenity/JS channel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@serenity-js) and join the [Serenity/JS Community Chat](https://matrix.to/#/#serenity-js:gitter.im) to stay up to date!
-Please also make sure to star ⭐️ [Serenity/JS on GitHub](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js) to help others discover the framework!
+Contributions of all kinds are welcome! Get started with the [Contributing Guide](https://serenity-js.org/community/contributing/).
 
-[![Follow Serenity/JS on LinkedIn](https://img.shields.io/badge/Follow-Serenity%2FJS%20-0077B5?logo=linkedin)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/serenity-js)
-[![Watch Serenity/JS on YouTube](https://img.shields.io/badge/Watch-@serenity--js-E62117?logo=youtube)](https://www.youtube.com/@serenity-js)
-[![Join Serenity/JS Community Chat](https://img.shields.io/badge/Chat-Serenity%2FJS%20Community-FBD30B?logo=matrix)](https://matrix.to/#/#serenity-js:gitter.im)
-[![GitHub stars](https://img.shields.io/github/stars/serenity-js/serenity-js?label=Serenity%2FJS&logo=github&style=badge)](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js)
+## Community
+
+- [Community Chat](https://matrix.to/#/#serenity-js:gitter.im)
+- [Discussions Forum](https://github.com/orgs/serenity-js/discussions)
+    - Visit the [💡How to... ?](https://github.com/orgs/serenity-js/discussions/categories/how-to) section for answers to common questions
+
+If you enjoy using Serenity/JS, make sure to star ⭐️ [Serenity/JS on GitHub](https://github.com/serenity-js/serenity-js) to help others discover the framework!
+
+## License
+
+The Serenity/JS code base is licensed under the [Apache-2.0](https://opensource.org/license/apache-2-0) license,
+while its documentation and the [Serenity/JS Handbook](https://serenity-js.org/handbook/) are licensed under the [Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/).
+
+See the [Serenity/JS License](https://serenity-js.org/legal/license/).
+
+## Support
+
+Support ongoing development through [GitHub Sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors/serenity-js). Sponsors gain access to [Serenity/JS Playbooks](https://github.com/serenity-js/playbooks)
+and priority help in the [Discussions Forum](https://github.com/orgs/serenity-js/discussions).
 
-## 💛 Support Serenity/JS
+For corporate sponsorship or commercial support, please contact [Jan Molak](https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmolak/).
 
-If you appreciate all the effort that goes into making sophisticated tools easy to work with, please support our work and become a Serenity/JS GitHub Sponsor today!
+[![GitHub Sponsors](https://img.shields.io/badge/Support%20@serenity%2FJS-703EC8?style=for-the-badge&logo=github&logoColor=white)](https://github.com/sponsors/serenity-js).
 
-[![GitHub Sponsors](https://img.shields.io/badge/Support%20@serenity%2FJS-703EC8?style=for-the-badge&logo=github&logoColor=white)](https://github.com/sponsors/serenity-js)

package/lib/api/serenity-fixtures.d.ts

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
-import type { Cast, ClassDescription, Duration, Serenity, StageCrewMember, StageCrewMemberBuilder } from '@serenity-js/core';
-import type { Actor } from '@serenity-js/core';
+import type { Ability, Actor, Cast, ClassDescription, Duration, Serenity, StageCrewMember, StageCrewMemberBuilder } from '@serenity-js/core';
 import type { ExtraBrowserContextOptions } from '@serenity-js/playwright';
+import type { AxiosRequestConfigDefaults } from '@serenity-js/rest';
+import { type AxiosInstance } from 'axios';
 /**
  * Serenity/JS-specific [Playwright Test fixtures](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-fixtures)
  * injected into your [test scenarios](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/it/).
@@ -227,31 +228,91 @@ export interface SerenityFixtures {
      * - [Playwright Test fixtures](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-fixtures)
      */
     extraContextOptions: Partial<ExtraBrowserContextOptions>;
+    /**
+     * Extra abilities given to the actors on top of the default ones provided by the [`actors`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/#actors) fixture.
+     *
+     * #### Extra abilities for all actors
+     *
+     * To give the same set of extra abilities to all the actors, make your `extraAbilities` fixture
+     * return an array of [`Ability`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Ability/) objects.
+     *
+     * ```typescript
+     * import { type Ability } from '@serenity-js/core';
+     * import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test';
+     * import { MyAbility } from './MyAbility';
+     *
+     * describe(`My feature`, () => {
+     *
+     *     test.use({
+     *         extraAbilities: [ new MyAbility() ]
+     *     });
+     *
+     *     it(`...`, async({ actor }) => {
+     *       // ...
+     *     });
+     * });
+     * ```
+     *
+     * #### Extra abilities for selected actors
+     *
+     * To give extra abilities only to selected actors, make your `extraAbilities` fixture return a `(actorName: string) => Ability[]` function that maps
+     * the actor name to an array of [`Ability`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Ability/) objects.
+     *
+     * ```typescript
+     * import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test';
+     * import { MyAbility } from './MyAbility';
+     *
+     * describe(`My feature`, () => {
+     *
+     *     test.use({
+     *         extraAbilities: async ({ }, use) => {
+     *             await use((actorName: string) => {
+     *                 // Alice gets the extra abilities, but others don't
+     *                 return actorName === 'Alice'
+     *                     ? [ new MyAbility() ]
+     *                     : [];
+     *             })
+     *         }
+     *     });
+     *
+     *     it(`...`, async({ actor }) => {
+     *       // ...
+     *     });
+     * });
+     * ```
+     */
+    extraAbilities: ((actorName: string) => Ability[]) | Ability[];
     /**
      * A cast of Serenity/JS actors to be used instead of the default cast
      * when instantiating [`actor`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/#actor)
      * and invoking [`actorCalled`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityWorkerFixtures/#actorCalled).
      *
      * :::info Did you know?
-     * When you use `@serenity-js/playwright-test` [test APIs](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/it/), Serenity/JS already provides a default cast of actors for you.
-     * Each one of the default actors receives [abilities](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Ability/) to [`BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright/class/BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright/) and [`TakeNotes.usingAnEmptyNotepad`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/TakeNotes/#usingAnEmptyNotepad).
-     *
-     * The default abilities should be sufficient in most web testing scenarios. However, you might want to override this default configuration
-     * when you need your actors to [interact with REST APIs](https://serenity-js.org/api/rest/class/CallAnApi/),
-     * [manage local servers](https://serenity-js.org/api/local-server/class/ManageALocalServer/),
-     * start with a notepad that has some [initial state](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/TakeNotes/#using),
-     * or receive [custom abilities](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Ability/).
-     * :::
+     * Serenity/JS [test APIs](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/it/) offer fixtures that set up the default cast of actors for you,
+     * which should be sufficient in most web and HTTP API testing scenarios.
      *
+     * Each one of the default actors receives the following [abilities](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Ability/):
+     * - [`BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright/class/BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright/), connected to Playwright [`page`](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-fixtures) fixture
+     * - [`TakeNotes`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/TakeNotes/#usingAnEmptyNotepad)
+     * - [`CallAnApi`](https://serenity-js.org/api/rest/class/CallAnApi/), pointing at the [`baseURL`](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-use-options#basic-options)
+     *   and using any `proxy` settings in your Playwright config file.
+     *
+     * The easiest way to give your actors additional abilities is to use the [`extraAbilities`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/#extraAbilities) fixture.
+     * :::
      *
      * #### Overriding the default cast of Serenity/JS actors
      *
      * ```typescript
-     * import { Cast, TakeNotes } from '@serenity-js/core'
      * import { Ensure, equals } from '@serenity-js/assertions'
+     * import { Cast, TakeNotes } from '@serenity-js/core'
      * import { BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright } from '@serenity-js/playwright'
+     * import { CallAnApi } from '@serenity-js/rest'
      * import { describe, it, test } from '@serenity-js/playwright-test'
      *
+     * interface MyNotes {
+     *   username: string;
+     * }
+     *
      * describe(`Recording items`, () => {
      *
      *     test.use({
@@ -259,17 +320,24 @@ export interface SerenityFixtures {
      *             defaultNavigationTimeout: 30_000,
      *         },
      *
-     *         defaultActorName: 'Serena',
-     *         actors: async ({ browser, contextOptions, extraContextOptions }, use) => {
-     *             const cast = Cast.where(actor =>
-     *                 actor.whoCan(
-     *                     BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright.using(browser, contextOptions, extraContextOptions),
-     *                     TakeNotes.usingAnEmptyNotepad(),
+     *         actors: async ({ axios, extraAbilities, extraContextOptions, extraHTTPHeaders, page }, use) => {
+     *             const cast = Cast.where(actor => {
+     *                 const abilities = Array.isArray(extraAbilities)
+     *                     ? extraAbilities
+     *                     : extraAbilities(actor.name);
+     *
+     *                 return actor.whoCan(
+     *                     BrowseTheWebWithPlaywright.usingPage(page, extraContextOptions),
+     *                     TakeNotes.using<MyNotes>(Notepad.with({
+     *                       username: 'example.username'
+     *                     }),
+     *                     CallAnApi.using(axios),
+     *                     ...abilities,
      *                 )
-     *             )
+     *             })
      *
      *             // Make sure to pass your custom cast to Playwright `use` callback
-     *             await use(cast)
+     *             await use(cast);
      *         },
      *     })
      *
@@ -307,6 +375,17 @@ export interface SerenityFixtures {
      * - Declaring a Serenity/JS [test scenario](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/it/)
      */
     actor: Actor;
+    /**
+     * An instance of the Axios HTTP client, or default Axios request configurations,
+     * to be used by the [`CallAnApi`](https://serenity-js.org/api/rest/class/CallAnApi/) ability,
+     * provided to the actors via the [`actors`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/#actors) fixture.
+     *
+     * By default, Serenity/JS configures Axios to use the following settings from your Playwright configuration file:
+     * - [`baseURL`](https://playwright.dev/docs/api/class-testoptions#test-options-base-url)
+     * - [`proxy`](https://playwright.dev/docs/api/class-testoptions#test-options-proxy)
+     * - [`extraHTTPHeaders`](https://playwright.dev/docs/api/class-testoptions#test-options-extra-http-headers)
+     */
+    axios: AxiosInstance | AxiosRequestConfigDefaults;
 }
 /**
  * Serenity/JS-specific worker-scope [Playwright Test fixtures](https://playwright.dev/docs/test-fixtures)
@@ -355,7 +434,9 @@ export interface SerenityWorkerFixtures {
      */
     serenity: Serenity;
     /**
-     * Uses the provided [cast](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Cast/) of [`actors`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/#actors) to instantiate an [`Actor`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Actor/) called `name`
+     * Uses the provided [cast](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Cast/) of
+     * [`actors`](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/interface/SerenityFixtures/#actors) to instantiate
+     * an [`Actor`](https://serenity-js.org/api/core/class/Actor/) called `name`
      * and inject it into a [test scenario](https://serenity-js.org/api/playwright-test/function/it/).
      *
      * Retrieves an existing actor if one has already been instantiated.