Hancock's Half Hour was a famous BBC radio comedy series of the 1950s starring Tony Hancock. Other regular cast members were Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams. Andrée Melly appeared in some early episodes. The scriptwriters were Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, and the show's distinctive tuba-based theme tune was by Wally Stott. Some episodes were wiped; the rest have been released on CD box sets from 2000 to 2003. See below for details.
A television version appeared in 1956 under the same name and alternated with the radio version until 1959. The basic situation was similar, but only Sid James transferred from the radio series, although Kenneth Williams made a few guest appearances in early episodes. The final series in 1961 was retitled Hancock because it was shortened to 25 minutes, and did not feature Sid James.
During 1956-1957 Hancock also starred in a sketch show made by Associated-Rediffusion for ITV which, being live, alternated with his BBC appearances.
Most radio episodes were recorded between one day and three weeks in advance, except in the case of Series 6 which was mostly recorded over a three-week period in June, 1959 to avoid clashing with Series 5 of the television show.
Shortly before the series was due to be recorded Hancock walked out on a theatre performance suffering from "nervous exhaustion" and flew to Rome. Harry Secombe was brought in at short notice to replace Hancock and appeared in the first four episodes. Hancock himself returned for the fourth episode and completed the series as scheduled.
Episodes 4 through 12, 15 and 16 - again, more than half the series - no longer exist.
Shortened to 25 minutes per episode and retitled "Hancock"