The Hancock Festival

Available for 29 days

This is a recreation of a classic episode missing from series 1 either wiped or lost from the archive. The size of Somerset Maugham's pay packet inspires the Lad to become a writer. His friends are recruited to bring his dramatic offerings to life. The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams. It also launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson as one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. But 20 episodes of the show were missing from the BBC archives. The lost programmes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre. Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson Tony Hancock …. Kevin McNally Bill Kerr …. Kevin Eldon Sid James …. Simon Greenall Moira Lister …. Margaret Cabourn-Smith With: David Cann Classic Hancock score re-recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian. Producers: Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson The lost original recording was first broadcast on the 30th November, 1954. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.