Hancock's Half Hour: The Very Best Episodes: v. 1 (Radio Collection) CD

Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's selection of four of their favourite radio episodes includes new sleeve notes specially written for this edition. 'It is an accepted myth that comedy writers seldom laugh whilst working. Comedy is far too serious a matter for laughter. ; ; In our case a thin smile was the equivalent of a belly laugh. However this episode contained a segment that had us rolling on the floor...' So begins Galton and Simpson's introduction to the first of their quartet of classics "Sid's Mystery Tours" in which Sid talks Hancock into becoming the director of his guided tours company - but it doesn't even possess a coach. ; ; "The Wild Man of the Woods" shows Hancock's desire to get away from it all. It leads him to camp first in a bus shelter on Clapham Common and then in a bit of forest rented from Sid. ; ; "23 Railway Cuttings" is a scene of boredom and inactivity as the occupants try to while away a British Sabbath in Sunday Afternoon at Home whereas in "The Poetry Society" an evening with a group of Hancock's new avant-garde friends produces gems of abstract poetry not only from the group but also from Sid and Bill. Featuring a star cast that includes Sid James Bill Kerr Warren Mitchell Kenneth Williams Hattie Jacques and Fenella Fielding these are four very special episodes which show the master of misery at his very best as chosen by Galton and Simpson the masters of mirth.