The New Neighbour is an interesting part of the BBC’s Sitcom Season celebration with three sitcoms – Hancock’s Half Hour, Till Death Us Do Part and Steptoe and Son getting the remake treatment for episodes that are no longer in existence. In the fifties many shows were simply not recorded and in the late 60’s and early 70’s the BBC decided to save money on video tape by recording over many of their old shows which means that so many classic shows from that era are gone for ever.
This is where the Lost Sitcom idea comes in with all new casts recreating episodes from the original scripts. The New Neighbour is one from the early years of the show, it was the fourth episode of the second season and was originally broadcast on 13 May 1957. The plot sees Anthony Hancock becoming highly intrigued in the suspicious routine of his new neighbour. It will be interesting to see what a modern audience makes of the lad ‘imself. A truly genius creation but the black and white nature of the original series means it simply hasn’t been seen as often as something like Dad’s Army or The Good Life. Kevin McNally is perfect for Hancock though!
production details
UK / BBC Four / 1×30 minute episode / Broadcast Thursday 8 September 2016 at 9.00pm
Writers: Ray Galton, Alan Simpson / Executive Producer: Steven Canny / Producer: Owen Bell
cast
Kevin McNally as Tony Hancock
Jon Culshaw as Sid James
Robin Sebastian as Kenneth Williams
Katy Wix as Hattie Jacques
Kevin Eldon as John Vere
