With only an analogue radio for company in hospital I was denied BBC Radio 4 Extra and its comedic delights. Now back home, it’s good to know that Tony Hancock continues to occupy his Wednesday slot – at 8 o’clock, midday and 7 p.m. – with today’s episode (courtesy of Galton & Simpson, from 1955) featuring “The Lad” wanting a television (and Bill a bed) … step forward rogue Sid James to sell Tony a DIY set, ten quid…
Tony Hancock is returned to me!
I grew up with this wonderful comedian, first radio then BBC tv and last ITV (Granada?).
Funny the Blood Donor came so late in his career. In fact his genius was on display much earlier and his ensemble was so perfect in support. His script writers were also totally in the frame.
Tony Hancock was a seminal
influence in my early life , before music entered (which today is thought of as the start of my life!). I am still in regular touch with two school friends from that earlier era and TH is never far from my mind. Nor I suspect is he far from yours Colin!
Thanks be to Radio 4 Extra when Radio 4 seems an ever-alternating diet of Covid-Sport-Covid-Sport-Covid-Sport, ad nauseam. What a great Hancock episode this was this morning, replete with Kenneth Williams in oleaginous snide-voice. To be sure, certain ‘attitudes of the time’ poke out occasionally (we don’t portray women like this nowadays, thank goodness), but by and large it’s victimless humour in an age when ‘cutting edge’ comedy is sometimes self-satisfied (e.g. The News Quiz) or just nasty.
Another Radio 4 Extra recommendation: the three-hour compilation of Frankie Howerd shows last Saturday. Priceless, camp, silly, affectionate. Hancock, Williams, Howerd…all men who filtered their self-doubt, insecurity, and neediness into their comedy, all for our delight.