The Hancock Festival

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.