Â鶹ԼÅÄ

Radio 4 Extra celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of comic actor Tony Hancock – born 12th May 1924 - with a collection of rarely heard and previously lost radio programmes.

Introducing the shows, Jim Lee is joined by Martin Gibbons, president of the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society, who have helped find some of the lost tapes.

Tony Hancock stars in this previously lost episode of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Light Programme’s Star Bill, from June 1953.

A variety show of sketches and music, he’s joined by Graham Stark and Geraldine McEwan, with special guest star appearance by comedian, Ted Ray.

This lost episode was written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson – who would go on to write Hancock’s Half Hour. It was first broadcast in the week following Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and there are affectionate sketches paying comic homage to the great event.

Singing Personalities
Lizbeth Webb
David Hughes

Instrumental Personality
Semprini

The George Mitchell Glee Club
The Stanley Black Concert Orchestra

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Producer: Alastair Scott-Johnston

First broadcast on the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Light Programme on the 7th June 1953.

***
Many thanks to the Bob Monkhouse Archive/Kaleidoscope who found this lost episode, and provided it to the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society, for use in Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4 Extra's Hancock 100 celebration.

Tony Hanock 100
Presenter: Jim Lee
Production Co-ordinator: Andrew Jupp
Producer: Peter McHugh

Show less