ADVER readers have given an armful of support to the Old Town Theatre Company, by helping them choose a Tony Hancock episode to perform.

The Blood Donor came out on top in a week-long reader phone poll, beating the classic episode Twelve Angry Men by just one vote.

The OTTC is preparing to put on a night of British comedy gold this autumn, including performances of Fawlty Towers and Dad's Army.

The company chose The Germans from Fawlty Towers, and the Dad's Army gem where Captain Mainwaring warns his young colleague: "Don't tell him your name Pike."

But choosing the Tony Hancock show was more complicated.

The Advertiser teamed up with the OTTC and the BBC to hold a poll to find out which episode would be recreated.

OTTC spokesman Ashley Heath, 42, said: "There were so many classics to choose from that we felt the public should decide what they wanted to see.

"I have to say I'm not completely shocked by the result because the Blood Donor is so famous, and has such iconic catchlines.

"If you're in any pub in the land and someone says: A pint?' the answer shouted back will probably be: That's more than an armful!' From September 5 to September 8 dozens of amateur actors will take to the stage at the Arts Centre to perform the episodes.

In the Blood Donor, Hancock's sense of public duty leads him to give blood - although he is alarmed when he discovers that he is expected to part with as much as a pint.

Ashley said: "The beauty of the episode is that he arrives full of self confidence and bravado, but that gradually wears away.

"You see him at the end asking if there is anyone to go before him, and of course there's his quick wit and timing throughout the show.

"It might over analysing it but I think people see themselves as Hancock during that episode.

"When we have to go to hospital or the dentist we start off quite breezy, and then the nerves start to take over."

The challenge facing the company is putting together a large enough cast. Dozens of actors and helpers need to be recruited before the autumn extravaganza.

Ashley said: "There might be people who want to help move scenery backstage, or those who want tread the boards themselves.

"We are looking for anyone and everyone to join us and it should be a very rewarding experience."

There will be an audition at Lawn Community Centre in Guildford Avenue Tuesday at 7.30pm.

On Thursday the Arts Centre will hold more auditions.

For more details visit www. swindonweb.com/ottc