About
In an age before Rogernomics, well before The Office, there was the afternoon tea fund, Golden Kiwi, and four o'clock closing: welcome to the early 80s world of the New Zealand Public Service. Gliding On (1981 - 1985) was the first locally-made sitcom to become a bona-fide classic. Inspired by Roger Hall's hit play Glide Time, the award-winning series satirised a paper-pushing working life familiar to many Kiwis. This episode features Beryl's non-smoking campaign, Jim's efforts to kick the habit, office sexual innuendo and a much-debated fire drill. "Morning Jim!"
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Actor Ray Henwood as Hugh on hit 1980s series Gliding On.
©TVNZ. Supplied by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision — TVNZ Collection
The cast of Roger Hall comedy series Gliding On. Standing from the left: Michael Haigh (as Jim), Susan Wilson (Beryl), Ray Henwood (Hugh), Ross Jolly (John), Katy Beasley (then Katy Platt, as Raewyn) and Barry Hill (Wally). Ken Blackburn (the boss) sits at the desk.
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The wedding of the year, in the final episode of Gliding On. From left to right: Ray Henwood (Hugh) Roy Billing (Perce), Ross Jolly (holding video camera, as John), Susan Wilson (Beryl), Katy Platt (then Katy Beasley, as Raewyn).
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Roy Billing as Perce in Gliding On.
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Susan Wilson as Beryl on office comedy Gliding On.
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Cast and creator share a farewell toast to comedy series Gliding On in 1985. From left, Michael Haigh (who played Jim), Jane Waddell (Irene), Gliding On creator Roger Hall, Ray Henwood (Hugh), Katy Beasley (then Katy Platt, as Raewyn) and Susan Wilson (Beryl).
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Ken Blackburn as the boss of the office in hit Roger Hall TV series Gliding On. In one episode his character competed on Mastermind.
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29 October 1985: An actors rehearsal for TV series Gliding On at Broadcasting House in Wellington. From left to right Ray Henwood, Ross Jolly, Bruce Phillips and Susan Wilson.
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Ross Jolly plays John, the self-styled Don Juan of the Service Department, in Roger Hall's Gliding On.
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