FOR readers of a certain age, the names of Tony Hancock and Sid James – and their radio and television programme Hancock’s Half Hour – evoke a grumpy pessimist and his optimist Cockney friend. These immortal comic creations return to the stage in Hancock’s Half Hour – the Lost TV Episodes, currently on a national tour and coming to Bridport Arts Centre on Monday 7th October at 7.30pm.

This comedy duo made in radio heaven star in three “lost” episodes that have been reimagined for the stage. Celebrating the centenary of Tony Hancock’s birth and the 70th anniversary of the BBC comedy, the show uses scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, adapted by John Hewer (who plays Hancock).

In 1954, comedian Tony Hancock burst onto the BBC with a comedy show unlike anything the British public had experienced before. Based at the fictional 23 Railway Cuttings, East Cheam, the show featured the lugubrious Hancock surrounded by a stellar cast including Sidney James, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams – who would all go on to star in many of the Carry On films. The show proved equally successful when it transferred to television.

The new show recreates three ‘lost’ episodes from the original television series. Missing from the BBC archives, this UK Tour will mark the very first time these hilarious scripts have been brought to life since their original broadcast.

Hancock’s Half Hour – the Lost Episodes is back in this area, at the Princess Theatre, Paignton, on Wednesday 13th November and the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, on Thursday 14th. It is presented by the Lincolnshire-based Hambledon Productions – the company’s other TV-to-stage shows include Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show and Steptoe and Son.