Retirement Life
9 September 2026
“Good morning, Jim”: Gliding On writer Sir Roger Hall marks 50 years as a playwright
Described as New Zealand’s most successful playwright, Sir Roger Hall, best known for his sharp wit and keen eye for everyday life, is marking an impressive 50 years in the theatre industry.
Born in England, Hall emigrated to New Zealand in 1958 and worked in a variety of roles, including insurance, teaching and publishing, before discovering his true calling as a playwright.
His breakthrough came with Glide Time in 1976, a satirical look at Wellington’s public service that struck a chord with audiences nationwide, with the familiarity of the set getting them laughing before a word was even uttered. Its success led to the hugely popular television sitcom Gliding On, cementing Hall’s place as a household name.
Then came Middle Age Spread, which found success both in Australia and London. Now 87, Sir Roger reflects on his remarkable career as Glide Time returns to the stage for a new generation of theatre lovers at Takapuna’s PumpHouse Theatre. In this interview, he looks back on five decades of storytelling, the play that changed everything, and what life looks like for him today.
Could you share a little background on yourself and how you came to be a playwright?
I have a talk called Fifteen Years to be an Overnight Success. Before I wrote my first stage play, I had written several plays for television, plus many revues for the stage. (He has also written a memoir called Bums on Seats).
How does it feel to be celebrating 50 years in the job, and what are your best memories over that time?
Mixed. Mostly great that people still seem to be enjoying my work after all this time.
Do you have a favourite play to date that is closest to your heart?
Glide Time and Middle Age Spread. Especially when Middle Age Spread went to the West End. Between them, they set me up for a career…and financially.
You’ve covered themes around ageing and dissatisfaction with getting older in your writing. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspires your writing these days – are these themes still a form of inspiration?
My themes follow the stages of my life…and those of most people. My audiences have grown old with me.
My themes follow the stages of my life…and those of most people. My audiences have grown old with me.
—Sir Roger Hall, NZ Playwright
What does an ‘ordinary’ day look like for you in ‘retirement’ these days? Are you still working on new plays?
I usually get to my laptop by 9am; and try to write three or four pages of dialogue. But, alas, it’s much harder than it used to be.
You've continued creating and working well beyond the traditional retirement age. What keeps you going?
I like to have some sort of project on the go – life is much more interesting when I have.
What are you most proud of achieving in your career - what means the most?
That my body of work still does a lot to help theatres get good houses.
What are the issues at the moment that really make you want to put pen to paper?
That the parliamentary term should be four years, not three.
If you could give your younger self one piece of retirement/aging advice, what would it be?
It will come along much more quickly than you thought.
What is the number one thing you enjoy doing in retirement these days, or want to do more of?
My daily siesta.
At this stage of life, what feels most important? And what has surprised you the most about this stage?
Getting through each day. (When I was born – 1939 – the average life expectancy was 62. I’ve had 25 bonus years.)
How much could you get each fortnight?
Written by:
Sonia Speedy
Sonia Speedy has been a journalist for over 20 years, working in newspapers, magazines and radio. She also runs an online platform for parents at familytimes.co.nz. She lives on the Kāpiti Coast with her young family and loves writing stories that help make people's lives easier.
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