Simon Heffer
The Essay: British Film Comedians
- Radio documentary
- BBC Radio 3
- 2015
- 5 episodes (1 series)
A selection of episodes from Simon Heffer's long-running radio show focusing on mid-20th century British comedy actors. Features Simon Heffer, Will Hay, Alastair Sim, Terry-Thomas, Tony Hancock and Sid James
Episode menu
Series 1, Episode 4 - Tony Hancock
Simon Heffer discusses Tony Hancock, an actor whose life encompassed tragedy and comedy in equal measure.
Further details
Hancock's Half Hour. Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock (Tony Hancock)
Heffer examines why Tony Hancock's work in film was less successful than on television or radio, considering the strengths but also the weaknesses of his two largely forgotten films: The Rebel and The Punch And Judy Man.
Simon reveals the sad demise of a brilliant performer whose influence is still apparent today.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 16th April 2015
- Time
- 10:45pm
- Channel
- BBC Radio 3
- Length
- 15 minutes