The very first publication of a legendary lost episode of Hancock’s Half Hour, featuring Harry Secombe – plus bonus material

One of the most popular comedies of all time, Hancock’s Half Hour ran for 5 years on BBC Radio from 1954-1959. Sadly, many of the 102 shows were lost, including ‘A Visit to Swansea’ – but now, this piece of radio history has been rediscovered and gloriously restored.

The show – Episode 4 from Series 2 – is the only one to feature both Tony Hancock and Harry Secombe. For the previous three episodes, Secombe had replaced Hancock while the latter took an unscheduled trip to Rome. Here, Tony returns, to begrudgingly make ‘A Visit to Swansea’ and thank Harry for filling his shoes.

Also included is an interview with Harry Secombe’s son Andy, in which he chats to Colin Murray about his father, his memories of Tony Hancock, and the story behind ‘A Visit to Swansea’. And in Tony Hancock – From Bournemouth to East Cheam, comedian Steve Punt recounts how The Lad Himself became the first true sitcom star.

Production credits

Hancock’s Half Hour written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

Produced by Dennis Main Wilson

Thanks to Tessa Le Bars, Martin Gibbons, Keith Wickham, Richard Harrison, The Radio Circle and the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society

‘A Visit to Swansea’

Starring Tony Hancock

With Harry Secombe, Bill Kerr, Sidney James, Andree Melly and Kenneth Williams

Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott

Rediscovered by Richard Harrison of The Radio Circle, with an introduction by Keith Wickham

First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 10 May 1955

NB: Due to the age and off-air nature of this recording, the sound quality may vary

Interview with Andy Secombe from the Colin Murray Show

Presented by Colin Murray

With Andy Secombe

First broadcast BBC Radio 5 Live, 28 November 2022

Tony Hancock – From Bournemouth To East Cheam

Presented by Steve Punt

With contributions from Ken Robins, Stephen Petty, Marjorie Dawson, Bruce Barnes, George Fairweather, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

Produced by Richard Latto

First broadcast BBC Radio Solent, 27 May 2013