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The Trial of Father Christmas

Hancock’s Strolling Players’ cautionary tale of Christmas as it might be. Stars Kevin McNally. 1955 episode re-recorded in 2015.

The Anthony Hancock Strolling Players present a cautionary tale of Christmas as it might be.

Between 1954 and 1959, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio recorded 102 episodes of Galton and Simpson's classic sitcom Hancock's Half Hour. But 20 went missing from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ archives, and had not been heard since their original transmission… until these faithful re-imaginings.

After a highly acclaimed first series, another five were lovingly re-recorded in front of a live audience at London's ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Theatre.

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

With Simon Greenall and John Finnemore

Newly recorded score by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Concert Orchestra

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

Produced by Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson

Originally broadcast on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Light Programme on 21 December 1955.

Recreated for broadcast by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Comedy for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 and first broadcast in December 2015.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Boxing Day 2020 12:30

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Credits

Role Contributor
Tony Hancock Kevin McNally
Bill Kerr Kevin Eldon
Sid James Simon Greenall
Kenneth Williams Robin Sebastian
Andree Melly Susy Kane
Graham Stark John Finnemore
Writer Ray Galton
Writer Alan Simpson
Producer Ed Morrish
Producer Neil Pearson

Broadcasts

  • Mon 21 Dec 2015 11:30
  • Boxing Day 2017 23:00
  • Wed 23 Dec 2020 08:00
  • Wed 23 Dec 2020 12:00
  • Wed 23 Dec 2020 19:00
  • Boxing Day 2020 12:30

Classic Hancock Clips

A selection of memorable moments from the surviving episodes of Hancock's Half Hour.