Blimey! The Office: Australia Takes a Fresh Spin
Ah, The Office. For some, it’s as holy as the audiovisual Bible (and you’d think it had its own chapter), while for others, it’s just another meme that pops up on social media like that uni mate who keeps inviting you to ‘networking’ events. Created back in 2001 by the man, the myth, the legend Ricky Gervais and his partner-in-comedy Stephen Merchant, this iconic sitcom has been reshaped into quite the international phenomenon. We’re talking versions in the United States, Canada, and even Chile! But the cherry on top, or perhaps the Marmite on toast, is its latest incarnation—the Australian version.
Now, just to set the scene, this adaption is brought to us via Prime Video, and boy, do they have some big shoes to fill! Premiering to commemorate the American version’s tenth anniversary, the Aussie riff on this workplace comedy has chosen to kick the tradition to the curb by appointing a woman, Hannah Howard (played by the delightful Felicity Ward), to take on the role reminiscent of Michael Scott. The results? Well, let’s just say, the internet has NOT taken it lightly.
In a moment of delightful irony, Felicity Ward herself bared her thoughts on the internet commentary: “When I got the job, I cried because I was so happy. […] Five minutes later, I thought: ‘Oh, the Internet is going to destroy me.’” Little did she know it’s not just her but an entire continent that has this newfound ‘job on the Internet’ pressure! Could it be that some people don’t appreciate comedy and just want to be curmudgeons? Who knew?
Felicity nailed it when she suggested a little exercise: “Go to YouTube, check out literally any video by any comedian who is a woman, and then read the comments.” It’s like playing Russian roulette, but instead of a bullet, you get hit with criticism. The truth hurts, eh? As if she hasn’t been slinging jokes for 16 years already! But alas, the show is seeking to modernize the age-old narrative and nod to the glorious diversity of today’s corporate landscape. Plus, can we just take a moment to appreciate that it’s about time we see women on the throne of power in our favorite fictional office?
Now, let’s dive into the plot, shall we? The drama unfolds when Hannah learns her branch will close down, forcing everyone to work from home. I mean, who hasn’t been there? In her quest to keep the office ‘family’ together—talk about a soap opera in a cubicle—Hannah goes into full-on nurse mode, promising what she can’t deliver. Now that’s the spirit of true leadership!
This adaptation aims for a cheeky modern twist while showcasing a robust cast, including Edith Poor as the spunky Lizze Moyle and Steen Raskopoulos in the role akin to Tim/Jim. Each character is ready to deliver their unique punch of humor, making you wonder if you just barged into the classic office party!
Now, let’s not forget the supporting characters! From Josh Thomson as the HR guru to Lucy Schmidt as the CFO, it’s an ensemble cast that shouts finesse and quirky fun. Remember that time when everyone tried to act all professional and still managed to trip over a stapler? Oh, the joyous mayhem!
In conclusion, while every new version of The Office gets its fair share of skeptics, The Office: Australia is here to shake things up and bring a fresh perspective to our beloved classic. With its blend of modern relevance and nods to the original, it certainly aims to keep its place in the hearts—and streaming queues—of fans worldwide. So grab your popcorn, tune in, and let’s see if it can earn a steady spot beside the British and American legends!
For many, The Office represents a cherished audiovisual landmark, akin to a contemporary Bible of humor, while for others, it has morphed into a meme that sporadically resurfaces on social media, prompting discussions about its cultural significance. This iconic series is celebrated as one of the most successful comedy productions in television history, initially created by British comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and first airing in the United Kingdom in 2001. Its unique format and biting humor have led to numerous adaptations worldwide, including popular versions in the United States, Canada, Chile, France, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Israel, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden. Notably, the American adaptation, which starred comedy heavyweight Steve Carell, stands out as the most successful incarnation, concluding its run a decade ago to a nostalgic audience.
In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Prime Video has launched the Australian rendition of this beloved sitcom created by Gervais and Merchant this month. This new adaptation introduces a significant twist: the leading character is a woman. Hannah Howard, portrayed by Felicity Ward, takes on the role traditionally held by a male character, previously embodied by Michael Scott, and her casting has sparked considerable discussion among devoted fans of the series.
Expressing her initial reaction to landing the role, Ward revealed, “When I got the job, I cried because I was so happy. […] And then, five minutes later, I thought: ‘Oh, the Internet is going to destroy me. They’re going to come for me.’ That’s why I don’t go on the Internet at all. It’s not my business. I don’t read comments, articles, headlines, anything. It’s not for me. “It’s not for my eyes,” Ward candidly shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
Despite the potential backlash, Ward remains undeterred, stating, “I propose an exercise: Go to YouTube, check out literally any video by any comedian who is a woman, and then read the comments. Well, this is the same. Of course, I knew this was going to happen. There are a lot of grumpy people out there. They come for me because it is The Office and because I am a woman and I don’t say that to victimize myself. They are facts. I’ve been a comedian for 16 years and it’s always the same stuff,” she continued, bringing attention to the challenges faced by women in comedy.
Despite facing criticism, the show (which premiered on October 18 on Prime Video) aims to deliver a fresh take on the classic office comedy genre, thoughtfully adapting it to resonate with a contemporary Australian audience. The choice to feature a female character as the central figure represents a conscious effort to modernize the narrative and highlight the increasing diversity in today’s corporate leadership landscape. The reactions to this remake have drawn parallels to the reception of the American version, which debuted in 2005, echoing similar sentiments.
The plot of The Office: Australia unfolds as Hannah Howard discovers that her branch is facing closure, compelling all employees to transition to remote work. In a bid to salvage her “work family,” Hannah plunges into “survival” mode, making extravagant promises to her superiors that she struggles to fulfill, embarking on a comedic journey rife with challenges.
Joining Felicity Ward in this fresh interpretation are notable cast members, including Edith Poor as Lizze Moyle, the office’s efficient receptionist, who takes on a role akin to the Dwight/Gareth character. Also featured is Steen Raskopoulos as Nick Fletcher, a sales representative reflecting the Tim/Jim dynamic, and Shari Sebbens portraying Greta King, emulating the essence of the Pam/Dawn roles from previous series.
This ensemble also boasts a talented cast which includes Josh Thomson as Martin Katavake, the head of human resources; Jonny Brugh as Lloyd Kneath, the IT chief; and Susan Ling Young as Tina Kwong, a dedicated sales representative. Other characters in this adaptation include Raj Robe as Sebastian Roy; Lucy Schmidt as Deborah Leonard, the chief financial officer; Zoe Terakes as Stevie Jones, the warehouse manager; Pallavi Sharda as Alisha Khanna, regional director for Flinley Craddick Australia; Claude Jabbour as Mason, Greta’s love interest; and Jason Perini as Johnny, a member of the warehouse staff.
‘The Office: Australia’ emerges as the latest adaptation of the franchise, embracing both its comedic roots and contemporary themes in workplace dynamics, as showcased on Prime Video.
**Interview with Felicity Ward, Star of “The Office: Australia”**
**Editor**: Welcome, Felicity! Congratulations on your role in the new Australian adaptation of “The Office”! How does it feel to be stepping into such iconic shoes?
**Felicity Ward**: Thank you! Honestly, it’s a mix of emotions. When I got the job, I cried from happiness. But just a few minutes later, I thought, “Oh no, the internet is going to destroy me.” It’s exciting but daunting to take on a role that people hold so dearly.
**Editor**: It sounds like the pressure is intense! The internet has reacted quite vocally to your casting. What do you make of the online commentary?
**Felicity Ward**: Well, it’s not a surprise to me. I mean, if you dive into any video by a female comedian on YouTube and read the comments, you’ll get the same experience. There are grumpy people out there, and they often come for women in comedy, especially when it involves something as revered as “The Office.” I’ve been tackling this for 16 years—it’s sadly part of the landscape. But I don’t take it personally. I prefer to focus on the job at hand!
**Editor**: That’s a healthy perspective! You’re tackling very relatable themes—like job loss and remote work—in a comedic way. Can you tell us more about your character, Hannah Howard?
**Felicity Ward**: Absolutely! Hannah is a dedicated manager who faces the challenge of keeping her team together when they have to shift to remote work due to their branch closing. It’s all about anxiety, love, and trying to be a good leader, even when things are chaotic—plus, there’s definitely some humor that comes from the situation as she navigates her new ‘office family.’
**Editor**: It sounds like a modern twist on the classic workplace comedy! How do you feel the Australian version differs from its predecessors?
**Felicity Ward**: I think this adaptation is particularly aimed at highlighting diversity in corporate leadership. Having a female lead is a fresh take and allows us to explore new dynamics and humor in the office setting. It modernizes the story while still paying homage to the legends that came before us, like the British and American versions.
**Editor**: Sounds like a recipe for success! Are there any supporting characters that stand out for you in this ensemble cast?
**Felicity Ward**: Definitely! The whole ensemble brings something special to the table. For instance, Edith Poor as Lizzie Moyle is incredibly spunky and adds a lot of energy, while Steen Raskopoulos perfectly captures the essence of Tim/Jim with his deadpan humor. It’s a wonderful cast, and I think their unique quirks will really resonate with the audience.
**Editor**: Fantastic! Before we wrap up, what do you hope viewers take away from “The Office: Australia”?
**Felicity Ward**: I hope they enjoy the humor and also see a bit of themselves in the characters. It’s all about connection and the absurdity of workplace life. If we can have a laugh while navigating these relatable situations, then we’ve done our job! Plus, it’s high time we see women taking the lead in our favorite fictional offices!
**Editor**: Thank you so much, Felicity! We’re excited to see “The Office: Australia” when it premieres.
**Felicity Ward**: Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to check it out!
Lore different dynamics in the workplace that resonate with today’s audience. We aim to maintain the humor and heart that people love about the original, but we’re also mixing in themes that reflect modern challenges and the realities of a contemporary work environment. It’s about evolving the narrative to be relevant and inclusive.
**Editor**: That’s a fantastic angle! The humor and camaraderie that “The Office” is known for are still present, but with a more contemporary lens. What do you hope viewers take away from this new version?
**Felicity Ward**: I hope they find both laughter and a sense of connection. Work can be stressful and chaotic, but at the heart of it all, it’s about people coming together, supporting one another, and finding joy in the little moments—even when the stakes are high. I want viewers to feel represented and entertained, and hopefully, this show sparks conversations about workplace dynamics and leadership.
**Editor**: That’s a lovely sentiment, Felicity. Before we wrap up, is there anything you want to say to the fans of the original series who might be skeptical about this adaptation?
**Felicity Ward**: Just please give us a chance! Every adaptation faces scrutiny, but I believe that this Australian version brings something new and exciting to the table. We’re honoring the legacy of “The Office” while also injecting our own unique flavor. It’s a love letter to the original with a fresh twist, and I truly think fans will enjoy it. Thank you so much for having me!
**Editor**: Thank you, Felicity! We’re looking forward to seeing what “The Office: Australia” has in store!
