The Three Sons

‘The Missing Hancocks’ recreates the classic ‘Hancock's Half Hour’ episodes that have been wiped or lost from the archive.

The first modern sitcom, ‘Hancock's Half Hour’ made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history.

But 20 episodes of the show are missing from the BBC archives. After two highly successful initial series, another five episodes have been lovingly re-recorded here in front of a live audience at the BBC Radio Theatre.

This recreation: is a modern morality tale of old Ebidiah Hancock and his three sons, all of whom are played by The Lad himself.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

Tony Hancock …. Kevin McNally
Harry Secombe …. Andy Secombe
Bill Kerr …. Kevin Eldon
Sid James …. Simon Greenall
Kenneth Williams …. Robin Sebastian
Andree Melly …. Susy Kane

Classic Hancock score re-recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.

Producers: Neil Pearson and Paul Sheehan

The lost original recording was first broadcast on the 21st June, 1955.

A BBC Studios production for Radio 4, first broadcast in April 2017.