You might be thinking, “It’s just a bit-part actor from a 40-year-old sitcom.” True. But Alan Parry’s performance is a masterclass in making a small role unforgettable. Ever notice how some actors can fill the screen with just a raised eyebrow or a slow smirk? That’s him.
Denis Lill - Alan Parry
Compare Slater to other sitcom baddies – like Basil Fawlty’s looming boss or the snooty waiters in Fawlty Towers. Parry’s copper is sweeter because he’s rooted in real-life office politics. We’ve all met a Slater: that teacher, boss, or neighbour who just loves the smell of their own authority.
The “What If” Game
Imagine if the show had given Slater a whole series. Would it have worked? Probably not – the magic was in the sporadic, surprising menace. Like a sprinkling of hot sauce on chips, a little goes a long way. Alan Parry understood that less is more.
His career wasn’t a Hollywood blockbuster one. He did theatre, guest spots on shows like The Bill and Doctor Who. But that’s what makes him fascinating – he was a craftsman of character acting, not a celebrity chasing fame. He gave Slater a backstory you could almost smell (cheap cologne and bitterness).
