Very Nearly an Armful - A Tony Hancock Podcast

By Tony HancockTV & Film TV Reviews

Very Nearly an Armful - A Tony Hancock Podcast episodes

May 06, 2023 S5 - E4 - Very Nearly an Armful - Hancock's Car
In this final episode of the current series, Tim, Jon, James and Martin take a look at the brilliant radio episode Hancock’s Car from the golden fifth radio series.The gang consider how all the cast deliver a masterclass in acting and comic timing and how the opening scene of Hancock, Bill and Sid just cleaning the car is a fantastic example of Galton & Simpson’s uncanny ability to create comedy out of nothing.The team look at the differences between the various edits of this programme against the original script, consider how well this episode showcases Hancock’s focus on his social standing and finally the team discuss, in detail, recipes for stuffed marrow.In other discussions, the Gang of Four reveal a couple of fascinating items found at our recent visit to the BBC Archives at Caversham, look at the recording techniques used in Lucille Ball’s programmes and celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Hancock’s Half Hour regular Peggy Anne Clifford.Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at tonyhancock.org.uk We have events planned at Hancock’s old local The Red Barn in May and our annual Reunion Dinner in September; we’d love to welcome you as a member and see you at our events. We’ll be back after a Summer break; Hope that you’ll be able to join us then.
1 hr 37 min
April 22, 2023 S5 - E3 - Very Nearly an Armful - The East Cheam Drama Festival
This episode in the trilogy of three so far this Spring is the third one in the series. In this podcast James, Tim, Jon and Martin look at the brilliant fifth series episode The East Cheam Drama Festival and consider how the episode, being a play within a play, was quite revolutionary at the time.
The gang consider how the second playlet is quite Pythonesque in its lack of a punchline, review how the episode would have sounded with cut lines reinstated and look at sections of the show where Hancock doesn’t have any lines! The four take a deep dive into all of the characters called Dolly throughout Hancock’s career and debate if this episode is the first ever appearance of a character called Cravatte!
Of course the team get distracted, this time by a book on celebrities and their cars, Philomena Cunk’s Soviet Onion and the brilliant Laurie Webb’s visit to the Riverside Studios.
Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at tonyhancock.org.uk In the final episode of the series we’ll review the excellent radio episode Hancock’s Car. Hope that you’ll be able to join us then.
1 hr 31 min
April 08, 2023 S5 - E2 - Very Nearly an Armful - The Punch & Judy Man
In this episode, the team celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Punch and Judy Man with a detailed look at Hancock’s final film in a starring role.The four consider how the film is deeply biographical not only in its depiction of a failing marriage but also in its link to Tony's childhood days in Bournemouth. They discuss how many of the regular players in Hancock’s Half Hour have roles in the film; most notably Hugh LLoyd, John Le Mesurier and Mario Fabrizi and the mentor from Hancock's early years, George Fairweather.The Gang of Four also look in detail at the gestation of the film and consider how Hancock not playing a character called Hancock may have impacted the public reception the film received. The team get distracted as usual and get sidetracked by the Carry On films, Sykes, Sir Henry at Rawlinson End and they also spend some time discussing the intricacies of the Pinner left hand down feather reverse turn!Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. In the next episode of the series we’ll review the brilliant radio episode The East Cheam Drama Festival. Hope that you’ll be able to join us then.
2 hr 4 min
March 25, 2023 S5 - E1 - Very Nearly an Armful - The Economy Drive
Welcome back to all our listeners as we start our new series of the podcast with a look at the brilliant fifth television series episode The Economy Drive, which is often quoted as a fan favourite.The team look at the brilliant support played by the East Cheam Repertory Company and consider how the episode provides a brilliant social representation of the period through the self service cafeteria sequence. They also discuss the recording techniques of the day, with this being the first ever Hancock’s Half Hour to be recorded in segments, and the many topical references scattered throughout the show.The gang also look back at the recent UKTV documentary and colourised episodes and reveal the results of a Twitter poll as to which episode fans would like colourised next if a further colourisation were to happen. In an exclusive moment, the team also reveal the winner of the ‘brightest shirt in a documentary’ award!Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. In the next episode of the series we’ll review Hancock’s second starring film The Punch and Judy Man on the 60th anniversary of its premiere. Hope that you’ll be able to join us then.
1 hr 46 min
December 24, 2022 S4 - E5 - Very Nearly an Armful - Hancocks Happy Christmas - P2 2
In this episode, we continue our festive theme when James, Tom Tim and Martin conclude their review of the radio episode Hancock’s Happy Christmas in the company of a glass of Baileys and a mince pie!
This time, the team look at the career of Dorothy Marks, the many cultural references sprinkled throughout the show and, once again, consider the sparkling performances all the cast put in to make this one of the great festive Hancock episodes. They also look at Snide’s appearance at the almost obligatory 25 minute point in the episode and his hilarious interaction with the children.
In Hancock updates, the team look at the recent Network DVD release of Hancock’s The Blackpool Show and the upcoming Gold documentary Very Nearly an Armful. They also consider the merits or otherwise of the colourisation of black and white photos and television, debate the origins of Hancock wearing an eye patch and reveal the outcome of a Twitter poll of whether folk prefer the radio or television series.
Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. We’ll be back in 2023 for Series 5 when we will be looking at the television episode The Economy Drive – hope to see you then! In the meantime, we wish our listeners a merry Christmas and a happy New Year – enjoy your turkey feet and chips! Now, all together, Good King Wenceslas…!
1 hr 15 min
December 10, 2022 S4 - E4 - Very Nearly an Armful - Hancocks Happy Christmas - Pt 1
In this episode, James, Tom Tim and Martin don Christmas jumpers, put on reindeer antlers and start their review of the great festive radio episode Hancock’s Happy Christmas.
The team consider how the performance from Hancock is in the very best traditions of Scrooge and are delighted to share memories of making the show received from Michael Anderson Junior, who played the role of orphan Michael in the episode. They also look at the excellent performances of both Michael and Dorothy and how well they fitted into the cast and debate in detail just how far south the Christmas Pudding was likely to fly!
The gang of four reflect on the BBC’s 100th anniversary documentary How the BBC Began, consider the book Jack Hylton Presents by Pamela Logan and get side-tracked once again, this time by the new Stephen Moffat BBC drama Inside Man.
Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. In the final episode of the series we’ll conclude our review of the fantastic Christmas episode Hancock’s Happy Christmas. Hope that you’ll be able to join us then.
52 min
November 26, 2022 S4 - E3 - Very Nearly an Armful - The 13th of the series
In this our longest episode yet, James, Jon, Tim and Martin review the brilliantly surreal radio episode The 13th of the Series and its transcription services remake The 13th of the Month. The team consider how joyous the performances of all the cast are in this episode and how the script sparkles throughout. They also consider Ken’s fantastic performance as Snide (arguably his best appearance in this role) and consider, in detail, the practicalities of taking the Stonehenge stones home each night on a bike!
The Fab Four look at the recent BBC radio documentary on the Norwegian version of Hancock’s Half Hour and compare this to the less successful German version; they also celebrate the return of Hancock’s Half Hour to BBC TV as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations. The team get distracted by the role of Arnold’s Ridley in Dad’s Army and his connection with Bath and discuss in detail recent reel to reel tapes received by the Society and the chance of these containing a lost episode.
Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. In the next episode of the series we’ll start our review of the brilliant Christmas episode Hancock’s Happy Christmas. Hope that you’ll be able to join us then.
1 hr 35 min
November 12, 2022 S4 - E2 - Very Nearly an Armful - Lord Byron Lived Here
In this episode, James, Jon, Tim and Martin review the brilliant television episode Lord Byron Lived Here. They consider the role the excellent supporting cast play in making this a firm favourite for many Hancock fans, including John Le Mesurier, Hugh Lloyd and Robert Dorning in particular. We catch up again with Julian Dutton and feature a brief extract from an interview with Hugh Lloyd himself.

The team look at the Sid penned Lord Byron poems and compare these with the poems in the radio episode The Wild Man of the Woods. They also look in detail at plastering techniques and consider just how deep the hole in Hancock’s wall actually is!

The dynamic four look at the new Network DVD release of Hancock’s Blackpool Show in a release entitled ABC Night In: Set Your Minds Free and get side-tracked once again into the world of Gerry Anderson, this time with Space Patrol, Supercar and Twizzle!

Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. In the next episode of the series we’ll be reviewing the excellent radio episode The 13th of the Series. Hope that you’ll be able to join us for that.
1 hr 10 min
October 29, 2022 S4 - E1 - Very Nearly an Armful - The Marriage Bureau
In this first episode of series 4, Tim, Jon, James and Martin are privileged to be able to review the recently recovered radio episode The Marriage Bureau. Not heard since first broadcast in 1955, the episode was discovered on a reel to reel tape by Richard Harrison of The Radio Circle and was rebroadcast by Radio 4 on the 18th October 2022.
The episode is the only one to feature Peter Sellers who stepped in at the last minute to replace Kenneth Williams who was unavailable. The team review Peter’s contribution, compare the episode to The Missing Hancock’s re-recording and consider, in detail, Hancock’s contribution to the Tooting School of Dancing and how he got his moniker ‘Hot Lips Hancock’!The Gang of four get distracted, this time by Robert Newton in the film Treasure Island and, consider how, in the television series The Prisoner, Hancock would have perfect for the role of No 2 in the episode "The Girl Who Was Death". They also delve into Spotify and uncover the brilliant series I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again.
Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. In the next episode of the series we’ll be reviewing the brilliant television episode Lord Byron Lived Here – hope to see you then.
1 hr 19 min
October 15, 2022 S4 - Teaser - Very Nearly an Armful - The THAS reunion dinner!
Ahead of the start of the fourth series of Very Nearly An Armful, our intrepid four head to Solihull for the annual Tony Hancock Appreciation Society knees up.

There we were delighted to meet Mr. Kevin McNally, hear his wonderful Hancock reminisces and, more importantly, we are able to reveal his exact drink count for the evening. We were also pleased to hear extracts from Julian Dutton’s brilliant one man show ‘Do You Think That’s Wise’ where Julian took on the guise of John Le Mesurier. Julian also took time out to share his Hancock stories with us.

We took the chance to meet many fans of Tony’s work and were regaled by their stories and memories of the lad himself whilst in Hancock updates, the team reveal some very exciting news! Don’t forget to rate us and subscribe to the podcast. And, if you haven’t done so already, why not join the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society - full details of how to join are at Tonyhancock.org.uk. We’ll be back with series 4
soon when we will be reviewing the recently found radio episode - The Marriage Bureau. Hope to see you then!

52 min

About Very Nearly an Armful - A Tony Hancock Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Tony Hancock Appreciation Society brings you the only official podcast of the lad himself. Martin, Tim, Jon & James break down each episode in watch-a-long style, punctuated with facts about the filming or recording and side stories of the actors. We also bring you all the news from the society including information on upcoming events and information regarding previously un-discovered material.