The office heads Down Under: A fresh take on a classic comedy
A new chapter for ‘The Office’
The beloved comedy series “The Office” is getting an Australian makeover, marking the 13th global adaptation of this iconic show. Prime Video has announced the release date and unveiled a first look at the lead actress, Felicity Ward. Known for her roles in “Time Bandits” and “Wakefield”, Ward will portray Hannah Howard, the managing director of the packaging company Flinley Craddick. Notably, she is the first female lead in the history of “The Office” franchise. All eight episodes will be available globally on October 18, with the exception of the U.S.
A star-studded ensemble cast
Joining Ward is a talented ensemble of Australian and New Zealand comedians. The cast includes:
- Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power)
- Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess)
- Shari Sebbens (The Sapphires)
- Josh Thomson (How to Please a Woman)
- Jonny Brugh (Thor: Love and Thunder)
- Susan Ling Young (Reckoning, Hungry Ghosts)
- Raj Labade (Appetite)
- Lucy Schmidt (The Pledge)
- Zoe Terakes (Talk to Me)
- Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve)
- Claude Jabbour (Last King of the Cross)
Additionally, guest roles will feature Susie Youssef (Deadloch), Justin Rosniiak (Mr Inbetween), Carlo Ritchie (Mikki vs the World), Rick Donald (Population 11), and Chris Bunton (Relic).
Plot twists and office antics
In this Australian version of “The Office”, Hannah Howard receives unsettling news from the head office: her branch will be shut down, and everyone will be forced to work remotely. Determined to keep her “work family” together, Howard goes into survival mode, making promises she can’t keep. The staff of Flinley Craddick indulge her and must endure her outlandish schemes as they strive to meet impossible targets.
Behind the scenes
The Amazon Original series is a co-production between BBC Studios Australia & New Zealand, Bunya Entertainment, and Amazon MGM Studios. It is based on the BBC Studios format. The show was developed for Australia by writers Julie De Fina (Aftertaste) and Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers, Nude Tuesday), who also serve as executive producers. Kylie Washington (Return to Paradise) is the executive producer, with lead producer Sophia Zachariou (Ladies in Black, The Moth Effect) and producer Linda Micsko (The Letdown, Laid). Van Beek also serves as the set-up director alongside directors Christiaan Van Vuuren (Bondi Hipsters, A Sunburnt Christmas) and Jesse Griffin (Educators), who is also a writer on the series.
A personal reflection for fans
As a long-time fan of “The Office”, I am thrilled to see how the Australian adaptation will bring a fresh perspective to the series. The unique humor and cultural nuances of Australia are sure to add a new layer of comedy to the familiar office setting. Felicity Ward’s portrayal of Hannah Howard promises to be both hilarious and heartfelt, capturing the essence of what makes “The Office” so beloved.
For those who have followed the series through its various incarnations, this new version offers an exciting opportunity to see how different cultures interpret the same core concept. The ensemble cast, featuring a mix of established and emerging talent, is sure to deliver memorable performances that will resonate with audiences worldwide.
Dive deeper into the world of ‘The Office’
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the The Office page. This new adaptation is not just a continuation of a beloved series but a celebration of its enduring appeal and versatility.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the series, the Australian edition of “The Office” is set to offer a fresh, entertaining take on the classic workplace comedy. Mark your calendars for October 18 and get ready to laugh along with Hannah Howard and her quirky team at Flinley Craddick.