Slough residents are reflecting on the enduring legacy of the multi-award-winning BBC sitcom, The Office, as it marks its 25th anniversary. Many in the Berkshire town believe the show, which depicted the day-to-day lives of employees at the fictional Wernham-Hogg paper merchant, has helped to challenge negative perceptions of Slough, proving it "is not as bad as they say".
The mockumentary, co-created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, became a global phenomenon after its initial broadcast, inspiring numerous international adaptations and significantly influencing the landscape of modern comedy. Its distinctive opening sequence, featuring the Slough Trading Estate and other local landmarks on an overcast day, has become instantly recognisable to fans worldwide.
Life-long Slough resident, Floss, who has lived in the town for 45 years, expressed her deep affection for the sitcom. She noted that wherever she travels, people recognise Slough because of The Office, highlighting its extensive global reach. Floss proudly recalled passing the building where the show was filmed daily, feeling a sense of pride that such a widely acclaimed programme originated from her hometown.
Another local, Jane, 67, described The Office as "spot on for the times and spot on for now," acknowledging its often "painfully funny" humour. She pointed out that the roundabout featured in the show's opening credits serves as a significant landmark for long-term residents. Jane also observed that Slough itself has undergone positive transformations, evolving into "a good place" since the show first aired.
Luke Yaxley, who works at the Iron Mountain Data Centre on the Slough Trading Estate, praised The Office as one of the finest achievements in British comedy, placing it alongside classics like Only Fools and Horses. He believes Gervais and Merchant's writing style fundamentally shaped the future of British humour, particularly through its distinctive use of sarcasm and awkwardness. Yaxley also recounted his intrigue upon starting work in the area, discovering the exact filming locations, including the Premier Inn featured in the final shot of the opening credits.