The Big Steptoe Radio Show: Ray Galton and Alan Simpson

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The Big Steptoe Radio Show

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The legendary writers present their favourite episodes featuring the rag and bone men.

Legendary writers Galton and Simpson select: The Offer, Pilgrim's Progress, Crossed Swords, The Desperate Hours, Oh What a Beautiful Mourning and Seance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard.

The duo behind the BBC's legendary rag and bone men comedy - writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson present their favourite episodes of Steptoe and Son.

This includes the very first episode, 'The Offer' – originally made for BBC TV's 'Comedy Playhouse' - one of ten one-off comedies penned by Ray and Alan. BBC bosses viewed it as a sweetener for the duo, who'd recently parted company with Tony Hancock. Despite several strong concepts, only 'The Offer' progressed from pilot to series development. 

The TV pilot aired in January 1962, followed by the first Steptoe series in June starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett as father and son duo, Albert and Harold Steptoe.

Revealing how the series was created, the writers also explain why it prompted concerns in Parliament.

The duo's selected episodes were all adapted from the TV scripts and recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio by Gale Pedrick.

*     The Offer 
As the rag and bone father and son argue, Harold is set to leave. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From July 1966.

*     Pilgrim's Progress 
Old soldier Albert Steptoe is eager to revisit Flanders. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From June 1967.

*     Crossed Swords 
Excited Harold Steptoe lets greed get the better of him. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From July 1967.

*     The Desperate Hours 
Some unwelcome visitors arrive at the rag and bone yard. Stars Wilfrid Brambell, Harry H Corbett and Leonard Rossiter. From May 1974.

*     Oh What a Beautiful Mourning 
The family clash at the funeral of Albert's brother. Stars Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H Corbett. From February 1976

*     Seance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard 
Sceptical Harold slams Albert's claims about the power of spiritualism. Stars Wilfrid Brambell, Harry H Corbett and Patricia Routledge. From March 1976.

Producer:  Sarah Wade.
 
Made for Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in February 2006.

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