N.p. [London]: N.p. [BBC], N.d. [1957]

32 mimeographed pp., secured with split pin to top left corner. Final page detached from split pin, some sunning to first and final pages, a little edgewear and creasing consistent with its use during production. A very well preserved copy.

First edition. PRODUCTION COPY OF THE TRIAL RECORDING, WITH HOLOGRAPH ADDITIONS TO FIRST AND LAST PAGES, AND PENCILLED PROPOSED CUTS TO TEXT.

The Trouble With Toby was a BBC Light Programme vehicle for Richard Lyon, star of the radio sitcom Life With The Lyons. According to the handwritten notes to the title page of this script, the trial recording ('pilot', as we'd know it today) took place on 25 June 1957, and the show was transmitted on 18 July -- successfully, as it resulted in a series. Among the regular cast was Andree Melly, well known at the time to radio listeners as a regular in Hancock's Half Hour. Also putting in occasional appearances in a variety of roles was a young Ronnie Barker.

A handwritten addition to the scripted credits on the final page of this script lists Hugh Paddick in a guest appearance, and there are occasional pencilled parentheses throughout the script suggesting possible cuts for either pace or running time.

A scarce survivor.