Publisher's Synopsis
The very first publication of a legendary lost episode of Hancock's Half Hour, featuring Harry Secombe - plus bonus material
One of the most popular comedies of all time, Hancock's Half Hour ran for 5 years on BBC Radio from 1954-1959. Sadly, many of the 102 shows were lost, including 'A Visit to Swansea' - but now, this piece of radio history has been rediscovered and gloriously restored.
The show - Episode 4 from Series 2 - is the only one to feature both Tony Hancock and Harry Secombe. For the previous three episodes, Secombe had replaced Hancock while the latter took an unscheduled trip to Rome. Here, Tony returns, to begrudgingly make 'A Visit to Swansea' and thank Harry for filling his shoes.
Also included is an interview with Harry Secombe's son Andy, in which he chats to Colin Murray about his father, his memories of Tony Hancock, and the story behind 'A Visit to Swansea'. And in Tony Hancock - From Bournemouth to East Cheam, comedian Steve Punt recounts how The Lad Himself became the first true sitcom star.
Production credits
Hancock's Half Hour written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
Produced by Dennis Main Wilson
Thanks to Tessa Le Bars, Martin Gibbons, Keith Wickham, Richard Harrison, The Radio Circle and the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society
'A Visit to Swansea'
Starring Tony Hancock
With Harry Secombe, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Andree Melly and Kenneth Williams
Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott
Rediscovered by Richard Harrison of The Radio Circle, with an introduction by Keith Wickham
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 10 May 1955
NB: Due to the age and off-air nature of this recording, the sound quality may vary
Interview with Andy Secombe from the Colin Murray Show
Presented by Colin Murray
With Andy Secombe
First broadcast BBC Radio 5 Live, 28 November 2022
Tony Hancock - From Bournemouth To East Cheam
Presented by Steve Punt
With contributions from Ken Robins, Stephen Petty, Marjorie Dawson, Bruce Barnes, George Fairweather, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson
Produced by Richard Latto
First broadcast BBC Radio Solent, 27 May 2013
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