A Holiday in France

A recreation of the missing 1955 opening episode of series 2 of Hancock's Half Hour.

Also missing from the original show was The Lad Himself, as Tony Hancock had absconded to Rome.

The Goon Show's Harry Secombe replaced him for three episodes. In this recreation, Harry is portrayed by his son Andy Secombe.

Harry and Bill leave for a holiday in Southend-on-Sea - but they get on the wrong train and end up in Paris where they first meet Andree.

Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Harry Secombe …. Andy Secombe
Bill Kerr …. Kevin Eldon
Sid James …. Simon Greenall
Kenneth Williams …. Robin Sebastian
Andree Melly …. Suzy Kane

The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson on one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history.

But 20 episodes of the show are missing from the BBC Archives. All missing episodes have now been lovingly re-recreated in the BBC Radio Theatre.

The classic Hancock score newly recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Levon Parikian.

Producers: Ed Morrish and Neil Pearson

The original show was broadcast on the 19th April, 1955 on the BBC Light Programme.

A BBC Studios production for Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2017.