Actors from The Office reflect on UK sitcom’s 25-year anniversary

Actors who starred in the UK version of The Office have been reflecting on its success as the beloved show celebrates 25 years.

Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the multi award-winning and critically acclaimed BBC sitcom was set at Slough paper merchant Wernham-Hogg.

Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook, who played Tim and Gareth respectively, reunited to look back at the series and reflect on its cultural impact.

While Joel Beckett, who played Dawn Tinsley’s fiancé Lee, and David Schaal, who played Glynn, also known as Taffy, spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about what it was like to film the show.

The mockumentary-style sitcom has become a global phenomenon, inspiring multiple international adaptations and influencing an entire generation of comedy.

It ran in the UK until 2003, with award-winner Gervais at the helm as office manager David Brent.

The BBC marked its debut with a special episode of Remembers, in which Freeman and Crook share personal memories and behind-the-scenes stories.

“…of course we didn’t know how huge it would [become] and its longevity, but I do remember thinking, ‘this is special, this is like nothing I’ve seen before’,” said Crook.

Among their anecdotes was how Gervais came close to ruining filming on a daily basis.

Freeman said: “I’ve never laughed that much at work, before or since. It’s easily the funniest time I’ve ever had.”

He said he initially auditioned to play Gareth but was “very very glad they called me back”.