Audiobooks narrated by Tony Hancock

Calling All Forces: The vintage BBC variety show

A bumper collection of classic selected episodes and extracts from vintage variety show Calling All Forces Broadcasting on the BBC Light Programme from December 1950 until July 1952, 'Calling All Forces' was the biggest show of its day, attracting the biggest names of the time. Written by a young Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin, it became a showcase for aspiring young comedians including Peter Sellers, Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, Cyril Fletcher, Benny Hill, Kenneth Horne, Bill Kerr and Bob Monkhouse himself. Brilliantly hosted by comedian Ted Ray, the show features a mix of stand up comedy, music and sketches guest-starring well-known TV and film actors of the day. Peter Sellers tries out some early Goons characters, Tony Hancock steps in to co-host with Charlie Chester in the days before Hancock's Half Hour, and Bob Monkhouse steps on stage to perform some of his own material at the age of just 23. Sit back and enjoy musical hits from The Stargazers, songs performed by the 'Forces Sweetheart' Carole Carr, and amazing feats of recollection from 'The Memory Man' Leslie Welch as he answers sports questions sent in by British Forces stationed overseas. This rare collection offers a slice of post-war history, a window into pop culture in the British military forces of the time, and a fascinating look back at the early careers of our comedy greats. This uproarious compilation also includes two bonus episodes of Fletcher's Fare, plus two episodes of The Forces Show - the successor to Calling All Forces, also written by Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin. Written by Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin Linking material written by Martin Gibbons and read by Roy McMillan With thanks to the Estate of Bob Monkhouse, to the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society, and to Kaleidoscope for providing these audio recordings. Please note: due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. The humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Bob Monkhouse, Denis Goodwin (Author), Bob Monkhouse, Cyril Fletcher, Full Cast, Kenneth Horne, Leslie Welch, Peter Sellers, Ted Ray, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles: Volume 4

A fascinating collection of rare and remastered radio & TV material starring Tony Hancock In this fourth treasury of rare archive material, our irrepressible hero forms an association to save Fred's Pie Stall, in a newly restored 1959 radio episode of Hancock's Half Hour. From the BBC TV series comes The Italian Maid (1959) in which Tony and Sid are bowled over by the lovely Silvano. Two 1952 editions of Calling All Forces line up alongside a 1953 edition of Star Bill, and an extract from The National Radio Awards 1951 features Hancock in a rare Educating Archie sketch. In Hancock's Helpers, from 2004, Russell Davies looks at Tony Hancock's on-air and off-air relationship with his co-stars, whilst a 2009 edition of Great Lives examines the legacy of the lad 'imself. Hancock and Son, from 1998, traces the writing partnership of Galton & Simpson. In Briers on Hancock (1984) Richard Briers presents an affectionate tribute to Tony's memory, with contributions from Dennis Main Wilson, Denis Norden, George Fairweather, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, John Lloyd, John Freeman, Sid James and Bill Kerr. Also included in this treasury are interviews with Paul Merton, Roger Wilmut and Freddie Hancock, who all talk about the life and career of Tony Hancock. A bonus PDF booklet looks at each item in the context of Hancock's broadcasting career, with insights into how many of these lost or rare items were discovered. Marking the legacy of one of our greatest comedy entertainers, this collection is a must for fans of Tony Hancock and Hancock's Half Hour.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Full Cast, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles: Volume 3

A fascinating collection of rare and remastered radio & TV material starring Tony Hancock This third treasury of rare archive material presents another four newly restored radio episodes of Hancock's Half Hour: 'The 13th of the Series' (1957), 'The Male Suffragettes' (1958), 'The Sleepless Night' (1958) and 'The Last Bus Home' (1959). Starring once again alongside Tony Hancock are Sid James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams. Three further editions of the radio hit Calling All Forces, from 1952, feature Hancock as co-compere with Charlie Chester, with a bill featuring Robb Wilton and many other light entertainment stars of the day. Hancock's Other Half's Hour, from 1997, sets Tony's widow Freddie Hancock centre stage, from where she invites many of his former colleagues to reminisce about the man. Among them are Harry Secombe, Peter Goodwright, Liz Fraser, Bill Kerr, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, Stirling Moss, Sylvia Sims, Larry Gelbart, Patricia Hayes, Jim Dale, Bill Cotton Jnr and Frank Thornton. The lad speaks for 'imself in two rarely heard Tony Hancock interviews, first broadcast on Open House (1964) and Late Night Line-Up (1965). Elsewhere Robert Cushman and Denis Norden survey Hancock's life and career in Turns of the Century (1995) and Stone Me, What a Life! (2004) respectively. A bonus PDF booklet looks at each item in the context of Hancock's broadcasting career, with insights into how many of these lost or rare items were discovered. Marking the legacy of one of our greatest comedy entertainers, this collection is a must for fans of Tony Hancock and Hancock's Half Hour.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), , Full Cast, Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles: Volume 2

A fascinating collection of rare and remastered radio & TV material starring Tony HancockThis second treasury of rare archive material is spearheaded by four newly-restored radio episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour, all from 1956: ‘The New Secretary’, ‘Anna and the King of Siam’, ‘The Stolen Petrol’ and ‘The Expresso Bar’. Starring alongside Tony Hancock are Sid James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams.A number of fascinating extracts from the long-running 1950s variety show Calling All Forces feature Hancock performing alongside Charlie Chester and others, whilst the famous Budgerigar Sketch - with Hancock as the eponymous bird - is featured here from 1958’s Christmas Night With the Stars on BBC TV.In What Happened to Hancock? from 1971, Philip Oakes reflects upon the complex personality of his friend, and elicits personal recollections from those who knew him, including Ralph Reader, Beryl Vertue, Sylvia Sims, Sid James, Duncan Wood, Michael Wale, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Heroes for a Time, from 1978, considers Hancock’s legacy ten years after his death, with contributions from Lyn Took, Barry Took, Arthur Askey and Billy Marsh. Freddie Ross Hancock recollects life as Tony’s second wife in a Woman’s Hour interview from 1979.Barry Cryer introduces Six Characters in Search of an Answer: Tony Hancock from 2003 and examines the man behind the character, with the help of Galton & Simpson, Dennis Main Wilson and Richard Briers. Finally, in two editions of The Essay from 2015, Simon Heffer examines and compares the careers of both Tony Hancock and his stalwart co-star Sid James. Marking the legacy of one of our greatest comedy entertainers, this collection is a must for fans of Tony Hancock and Hancock's Half Hour.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton, Roy Galton (Author), , Alan Simpson, Full Cast, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles: Volume 1: Rarities from the BBC radio archive

A fascinating collection of rare and remastered radio & TV material starring Tony HancockTony Hancock’s broadcasting career began in the early 1950s with appearances in BBC radio programmes such as Variety Bandbox and Calling All Forces. Rare archive extracts of both are presented in this collection, along with an edition of Educating Archie, the radio comedy in which Hancock was a regular guest star. Soon he had his own radio series, Hancock’s Half Hour, which transferred to BBC television in 1956. This volume features four complete episodes: the recently discovered TV soundtrack of 'The Horror Serial', plus remastered and restored versions of 'The Blackboard Jungle', 'The Student Prince' and 'The Test Match’ from the radio series. Also rarely heard since first broadcast are soundtrack interviews with Tony Hancock - including the notorious edition of Face to Face from 1960 - and interviews with writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. A bonus PDF booklet looks at each item in the context of Hancock’s broadcasting career, with insights into how many of these lost or rare items were discovered.Marking the legacy of one our greatest comedy entertainers, this collection is a must for fans of Tony Hancock and Hancock's Half Hour.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), , Alan Simpson, Ray Galton, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour: Series 6: 19 episodes of the classic BBC Radio comedy series

The complete final series of the groundbreaking BBC Radio comedy starring Tony Hancock – plus five bonus episodes. Created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson in 1954, Hancock’s Half Hour was the radio vehicle that made Tony Hancock a household name. Each week listeners would be admitted to the sometimes fantastical, sometimes mundane life of 'the lad ‘imself'. Aided and abetted by Sid James, Bill Kerr Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques, Hancock would enter into the spirit of each episode with characteristic dolefulness. This volume contains all 14 shows from the sixth radio series, collected together for the first time, including previously unpublished restored versions of The Waxwork, The Fête and The Poetry Society. Also included is the 1958 Christmas Special episode and four re-recordings made for the BBC Transcription Service. Among these hilarious Half Hours, Hancock enters an eating competition; sets out to save a local landmark; becomes the director of Sid's guided tours company and enjoys an evening of abstract verse with his avant-garde friends. The episodes are: Bill and Father Christmas (1958 Christmas Special); The 13th of the Month (Transcription Services Episode One); The New Secretary (Transcription Services Episode Two); The Ballet Visit (Transcription Services Episode Three); The Election Candidate (Transcription Services Episode Four); The Smugglers; The Childhood Sweetheart; The Last Bus Home; The Picnic; The Gourmet; The Elopement; Fred's Pie Stall; The Waxwork; Sid's Mystery Tours; The Fête; The Poetry Society; Hancock in Hospital; The Christmas Club and The Impersonator. Duration: 9 hours 30 mins approx.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), , Alan Simpson, Full Cast, Ray Galton, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour: Series 5: 20 episodes of the classic BBC Radio comedy series

The complete fifth series of the legendary BBC Radio comedy series starring Tony Hancock. Created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson in 1954, Hancock’s Half Hour was the radio vehicle that made Tony Hancock a household name. Each week listeners would be admitted to the sometimes fantastical, sometimes mundane life of 'the lad ‘imself'. Aided and abetted by Sid James, Bill Kerr Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques, Hancock would enter into the spirit of each episode with characteristic dolefulness. This volume contains all 20 episodes from the fifth radio series, collected together for the first time. In these hilarious Half Hours, Hancock has a makeover; turns his home into a private school; stands in the East Cheam by-election; presents three short plays from the East Cheam Repertory Company; takes in a wrestling match with Miss Pugh and gets more than he bargains for when he wins a TV quiz show. The episodes are: The New Radio Series; The Scandal Magazine; The Male Suffragettes; The Insurance Policy; The Publicity Photograph;The Unexploded Bomb; Hancock's School; Around the World in Eighty Days; The Americans Hit Town; The Election Candidate; Hancock's Car; The East Cheam Drama Festival; The Foreign Legion; Sunday Afternoon at Home; The Grappling Game; The Junk Man; Hancock's War; The Prize Money; The Threatening Letters and The Sleepless Night. This new set includes improved audio quality and extended edits for five episodes, plus a previously unreleased 'mini-episode' recorded to coincide with the 1958 Commonwealth Games. Duration: 10 hours approx.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour: Series 4: 20 episodes of the classic BBC Radio comedy series

The fourth series of the legendary BBC Radio comedy series starring Tony HancockCreated by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson in 1954, 'Hancock's Half Hour' was the radio vehicle that made Tony Hancock a household name. Each week listeners would be admitted to the sometimes fantastical, sometimes mundane life of “the lad ‘imself”. Aided and abetted by Sid James, Bill Kerr Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques, Hancock would enter into the spirit of each episode with characteristic dolefulness.This volume contains all 20 episodes from the fourth radio series, collected together for the first time. In these hilarious Half Hours, Hancock moves from 23 Railway Cuttings to the dosshouse to a Scottish castle; acquires a secretary; visits the ballet and tries his hand at a multitude of professions including agricultural labourer, coffee bar owner and policeman...The episodes included are: 'Back from Holiday', 'The Bolshoi Ballet', 'Sid James' Dad', 'The Income Tax Demand', 'The New Secretary', 'Michelangelo 'Ancock', 'Anna and the King of Siam', 'Cyrano de Hancock', 'The Stolen Petrol', 'The Expresso Bar', 'Hancock's Happy Christmas', 'The Diary', 'The 13th of the Series', 'Almost a Gentleman', 'The Old School Reunion', 'The Wild Man of the Woods', 'Agricultural 'Ancock', 'Hancock in the Police', 'The Emigrant' and 'The Last of the McHancocks'.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), , Full Cast, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock’s Half Hour: Series 3: Ten episodes of the classic BBC Radio comedy series

Tony Hancock stars with Sid James and Kenneth Williams in the legendary BBC Radio comedy series.Created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson in 1954, Hancock’s Half Hour was the radio vehicle that made Tony Hancock a household name. Each week listeners would be admitted to the sometimes fantastical, sometimes mundane life of “the lad ‘imself”. Aided and abetted by Sid James, Andrée Melly, Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams, Hancock would enter into the spirit of each episode with characteristic dolefulness.This collection of 10 episodes represents the surviving archive from the third radio series, along with PDF booklets featuring episode guides, series notes, cast biographies and specially written introductions by Galton and Simpson. Also included are two radio documentaries about Tony Hancock: Stone Me, What a Life! and The Complete and Utter History of Hancock.The episodes included are The Pet Dog; The Jewel Robbery; The Bequest; The Blackboard Jungle; The Diet; Hancock’s Heir; The Student Prince; The Greyhound Track; The Conjurer and The Test Match.Please note: due to the archive nature of the recordings, sound quality may vary.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), , Full Cast, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock’s Half Hour: Complete Series One & Two

Tony Hancock stars with Sid James and Kenneth Williams in the legendary BBC Radio comedy series.Created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson in 1954, Hancock’s Half Hour was the radio vehicle that made Tony Hancock a household name. Each week listeners would be admitted to the sometimes fantastical, sometimes mundane life of “the lad ‘imself”. Aided and abetted by Sid James, Andrée Melly, Bill Kerr and Kenneth Williams, Hancock would enter into the spirit of each episode with characteristic dolefulness.This collection of 15 episodes represents the surviving archive from the first two radio series. The episodes included are The First Night Party; The Idol; The Boxing Champion; The New Car; Cinderella Hancock; A Trip to France; The Monte Carlo Rally; A House on the Cliff; The Sheikh; The End of the Series; The Holiday Camp; The Chef That Died of Shame; The Rail Strike; The Television Set and The Marrow Contest.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), , Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour Volume 3: The Americans Hit Town / The Unexploded Bomb

Tony Hancock, Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques and Bill Kerr star in two classic episodes written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, which showcase the master of misery at his best. The Americans Hit Town: When the US Air Force sets up a base in Cheam, Hancock joins the rush to rent them rooms at exorbitant prices. But the sudden appearance of a Council Inspector forces them to masquerade as Yanks. The Unexploded Bomb: An unexploded bomb is discovered in Hancock's cellar - to the delight of Sid, who wants the site for a used car lot.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Full Cast, Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock's Half Hour The 'Lost' Radio Episodes: Sid James's Dad & The Diet

Tony Hancock stars in two long-lost episodes from the classic BBC Radio series Hancock's Half Hour: Sid James's Dad (28 October 1956) and The Diet (7 December 1955). Broadcast live, these rare recordings are made available for the first time in over fifty years. In Sid James's Dad, Sid is expecting a visit from his father. Being ashamed to admit his true profession, he has explained his regular appearances in court by telling the old man he is a judge. The Diet sees Hancock being offered the lead role in a romantic film. Unfortunately, the American producer Mr Stroud (Kenneth Williams) tells Hancock he's too fat for the part and he must go on a diet. Including special sleeve-notes detailing the making of the original productions, these episodes celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Galton and Simpson writing partnership.

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Sid James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Tony Hancock