Radio Specials
Between the fifth and sixth series of Hancock's Half Hour, the BBC Broadcast six special editions of the show. Details of transmission dates and cast lists are provided below. The last four specials were special remakes for Transcription Services releases. As these releases were tailored for overseas audiences, topical or local references were removed.
Drawing by Tracey Lawler
First broadcast 3.8.58
Cast Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr and introduced by Kenneth Horne
This 9 minute programme was originally part of a live BBC Broadcast from the London Coliseum to entertain athletes in the capital on their way home from the British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff from 18th – 26th July 1958 and is introduced by Kenneth Horne. The performance was part of a week of activities put on for athletes coming through London. The programme was only broadcast once and was subsequently lost by the BBC. This off-air recording was found amongst the vast quantity of recordings made by Bob Monkhouse and received its second broadcast in July 2012, to welcome the athletes for the London 2012 Olympics.
First broadcast 25.12.58
Broadcast on Christmas Day at 16:30 and repeated Boxing Day at 14:30
Cast Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Warren Mitchell
Bill still believes in Father Christmas and every year Hancock dresses up to deliver his presents. But Bill discovers that Hancock has been dressing up and is very upset. On his Doctor’s advice, everyone tries to re-create Bill’s childhood in Australia.
First broadcast 4.1.59
Broadcast on Sunday at 18:30 with no repeat
Cast Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams
This Transcription Services version is a remake of the ‘The 13th Of The Series’, Episode 13 of the 4th series. In this version, the script is rewritten so that the show isn’t dependent on it being the 13th in the series.
First broadcast 11.1.59
Broadcast on Sunday at 18:30 with no repeat
Cast Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams
This Transcription Services version is a remake of ‘The New Secretary’, Episode 5 of the 4th series. In this version, the script is rewritten so that Hattie Jacques’ arrival is played in flashback so that it can be placed anywhere in the series.
First broadcast 18.1.59
Broadcast on Sunday at 18:30 with no repeat
Cast Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams
This transcription Services version is a remake of ‘The Bolshoi Ballet’, Episode 2 of the 4th series. In this version, the script is rewritten so that the ballet in question is referred to as the Covent Garden Ballet, to avoid references to The Bolshoi Ballet, which was visiting Britain at the time of the original broadcast in 1956. There is also less detail as to where in Central London the queue extends to.
First broadcast 25.1.59
Broadcast on Sunday at 18:30 with no repeat
Cast Tony Hancock, Sidney James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams
This Transcription Services version is a remake of ‘The Election Candidate’, Episode 10 of the 5th series. In this version, the script is rewritten so that Hancock stands for the local Independent Party instead of the East Cheam Liberal Party.