Felicity Ward to Lead The Office Australia as First Female Boss

The Office, a franchise that has gained immense global popularity, is set to debut its latest iteration, The Office Australia, with comedian Felicity Ward at the helm. The show marks a significant milestone as Ward becomes the first woman to lead the franchise in its 23-year history.

Felicity Ward, who is well-known in the Australian comedy circuit, will play Hannah Howard, an inept managing director at a fictional packaging company named Flinley Craddick. In discussing her new role, Ward expressed both excitement and apprehension, humorously stating, “I’m bricking it, Karl. Absolutely bricking it.”

The renowned series originated in the UK in 2001, with Ricky Gervais playing the iconic character David Brent, and was later adapted into a highly successful American version starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott. The enduring popularity of these versions adds pressure on the new Australian release, which aims to match its predecessors’ success while introducing a fresh perspective with a female lead.

Despite the challenges, Felicity Ward views her character as an embodiment of her own attributes, acknowledging, “What preparation did I do for the character? Zero. I read the script and went, ‘This is me. This is every annoying attribute of my existing personality.’” Ward points out that she had no prior viewing of the American series until after filming had wrapped, attributing it to misconceptions about its quality.

The Office Australia is not only progressive in its casting but also features a significant female presence behind the scenes. The series has been co-created by Julie De Fina and New Zealand’s Jackie van Beek, whose works are known for their humor and relatability.

The show will introduce audiences to a host of characters, including Edith Poor as Lizzie, a gender-swapped version of Gareth/Dwight known for her pedantry, and Josh Thomson as Martin, the exasperated HR representative. Additional cast members comprise Shari Sebbens, Steen Raskopoulos, Jonny Brugh, and others, bringing life to the relatable office dynamics familiar to fans.

The anticipation surrounding The Office Australia is palpable as it prepares to roll out on Prime Video on October 18, aiming to captivate both loyal followers of the franchise and new viewers alike. With its unique Australian twist and a strong emphasis on diversity, the series stands poised to make a substantial impact.