Celebrating seventy years since the broadcast of the first Hancock’s Half Hour on BBC Television, the latest edition of The Missing Page, the quarterly magazine of the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society, is available now.
In the latest magazine, the society, which has seen a growth in membership in recent years, celebrate 70 years since the first broadcast of Hancock’s Half Hour on TV, consider some of the LGBT artists who contributed to the success of the show, recall how successfully their first London event in some years went, consider the eccentric performances of the talented Irene Handl, showcase their shiny new official website, plus much much more.
To get your copy of the magazine, go to the Membership link to join the Society; for just £16 per year, you can get a copy of the magazine through your letterbox four times a year, or for those who’d prefer it in their email inbox, we offer a digital membership for just £13 per year. Just click on ‘membership’ to get started. The team would love to have more Tony Hancock fans on board.
Sidney James in the Spotlight
Talking of things Hancock, his early partner in comedy crime, Carry On star Sid James, is celebrated in a new official biography by Paul Burton, to be published in November by White Owl.
Sidney James: The Life of a Remarkable Actor is an affectionate biography of Sidney James, which includes a foreword and recollections by Sally Geeson, charts the late actor’s myriad of theatre, radio, film and television credits from his early days on stage and radio in South Africa, to appearing on the silver screen and in London’s West End after relocating to England following the Second World War.
The book covers the years Sidney worked with Tony Hancock and the much-loved Carry On team, as well as starring in classic sitcoms such as George and the Dragon and Bless This House.
Included are moving and engaging memories from Sidney’s family, plus those he worked with including Joe Brown, Anita Harris, Richard O’Callaghan, Jacki Piper and Tommy Steele.
As well as exploring Sidney’s life and career in unprecedented detail, the publication also includes a host of previously unpublished photos, taken from both his private and professional lives.
Paul Burton is a writer, producer, researcher and entertainment historian. His previous books include Elstree Studios: A Celebration of Film and Television, Two of a Kind: The Morecambe and Wise Story and Goodnight Sweetheart: A Guide to the Classic Sitcom. Paul’s credits have also included working with the Eric Morecambe Estate and contributing to Gary Morecambe’s books Eric Morecambe: Lost and Found and Eric Morecambe: Forever in the Sunshine.
“This new title pays tribute to the actor, say the publishers, “and reminds us that Sidney’s legendary status continues to grow and endure.”
• Sidney James: The Life of a Remarkable Actor by Paul Burton is available to preorder now (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)| ISBN: 978-1036109264
Hancock: The Lad Himself
Since we’re talking Tony Hancock, much, we’re sure, to his delight somewhere out there, have you checked out Hancock: The Lad Himself by graphic novel writer Stephen Walsh (also known for his work on Commando) and artist Keith Page(also known for his work on Commando, Eagle and “The Adventures of Charlotte Corday”)?
The 290-page graphic novel, introduced by author and journalist Louis Barfe, available direct from B7 Media, Hancock – The Lad Himself covers the story of the comedian’s rise to stardom, and subsequent decline, retold from a completely unique perspective.
• You can read the first chapter of Hancock: The Lad Himself here on downthetubes
• Buy Hancock – The Lad Himself from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Audio, Books, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Television
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