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The Hancock Festival

Inspired by Somerset Maugham's pay packet, the Lad becomes a writer, with help from his friends. Stars Kevin McNally. From 2014.

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 Âé¶¹Éç archives.

The lost programmes have been lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at the Âé¶¹Éç 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 Âé¶¹Éç 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 Âé¶¹Éç Radio 4 in November 2014.

10 days left to listen

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 23 Apr 2026 02:30

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Hancock Kevin McNally
Actor Kevin Eldon
Actor Simon Greenall
Actor Robin Sebastian
Actor Susy Kane
Writer Ray Galton
Writer Alan Simpson
Producer Ed Morrish
Producer Neil Pearson

Broadcasts

  • Fri 14 Nov 2014 11:30
  • Tue 26 Jul 2016 18:30
  • Tue 2 Aug 2016 07:30
  • Tue 2 Aug 2016 17:30
  • Tue 2 Aug 2016 22:00
  • Wed 3 Aug 2016 05:30
  • Wed 22 Apr 2026 07:30
  • Wed 22 Apr 2026 12:30
  • Wed 22 Apr 2026 18:30
  • Thu 23 Apr 2026 02:30

Classic Hancock Clips

A selection of memorable moments from the surviving episodes of Hancock's Half Hour.