Alan Simpson

Writing

Biography

Alan Francis Simpson was an English scriptwriter. He was best known as part of the Galton and Simpson comedy writing partnership with Ray Galton.

Born: November 27, 1929

Place of Birth: Brixton, London, England, UK

Known For

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Hancock's Half Hour

Hancock's Half Hour is a BBC television comedy series of the 1950s and 60s written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. The series starred Tony Hancock with Sid James. The final series, renamed simply Hancock, starred Hancock alone. Comedian Tony Hancock starred in the show, playing an exaggerated and much poorer version of his own character and lifestyle, Anthony Aloysius St John Hancock, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. The series was influential in the development of the situation comedy, with its move away from radio variety towards a focus on character development.

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The Siege of Sidney Street

A police inspector (Donald Sinden) tracks down Russian anarchist Peter the Painter (Peter Wyngarde) and his gang in circa-1911 London.

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When Steptoe Met Son

The difficult off-screen relationship between actors Harry H. Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell who grew to hate one another during their years on screen. It charts their rise to fame with 'Steptoe and Son' in the early 60's, to their final falling out during an Australian stage show in the late 70's.

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The Unforgettable Sid James

A profile of the comedy actor, best known for starring in many films of the Carry On franchise, with contributions from family, friends, co-stars and fans. The programme looks at his early life in South Africa, his start in films as a heavy in 1940s and 1950s crime thrillers, and his big break appearing in Hancock's Half Hour on radio and TV.