Hancock’s Half Hour: A Visit to Swansea

Synopsis

The very first publication of a legendary lost episode of Hancock’s Half Hour, featuring Harry Secombe – plus bonus materialOne 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 creditsHancock’s Half Hour written by Ray Galton and Alan SimpsonProduced by Dennis Main WilsonThanks 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 HancockWith Harry Secombe, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Andree Melly and Kenneth WilliamsTheme and incidental music composed by Wally StottRediscovered by Richard Harrison of The Radio Circle, with an introduction by Keith WickhamFirst broadcast BBC Light Programme, 10 May 1955NB: Due to the age and off-air nature of this recording, the sound quality may varyInterview with Andy Secombe from the Colin Murray ShowPresented by Colin MurrayWith Andy SecombeFirst broadcast BBC Radio 5 Live, 28 November 2022Tony Hancock – From Bournemouth To East CheamPresented by Steve PuntWith contributions from Ken Robins, Stephen Petty, Marjorie Dawson, Bruce Barnes, George Fairweather, Ray Galton and Alan SimpsonProduced by Richard LattoFirst broadcast BBC Radio Solent, 27 May 2013© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd