Peter Kay meets Humperdinck in latest John Smith's spot

LONDON - TBWA\London has engineered the unlikely pairing of Peter Kay and crooner Engelbert Humperdinck in the latest 'no nonsense' spot for John Smith's, set in Las Vegas.

The ad is called "showstopper" and breaks on February 1. It shows Engelbert Humperdinck crooning his hit 'Please Release Me' to an adoring audience.

The audience is swaying along enthusiastically but as Engelbert reaches the climax and prepares to sing the last line, "Please release me, let me go", Peter Kay enters the scene carrying a tray of drinks for his family. As the singer is about to deliver the highly anticipated final note, Kay interrupts in his usual matter-of-fact "no nonsense" style and finishes the song with a loud "go".

Engelbert is stunned into silence and the orchestra stops but Kay is oblivious and heads back to his seat, telling the singer to carry on.

Paul Silburn, deputy creative director of TBWA\London, said: "'Showstopper' allows us to take the 'no nonsense' character out of his home environment and show that he'll always be true to himself wherever he goes."

The ad was written and art directed by Silburn and directed by Danny Kleinman through Spectre. Media planning and buying is through Starcom MediaVest.

Scottish Courage has seen John Smith's double its market share since TBWA\London began the "no nonsense" advertising, which has been recognised with a Gold Lion at Cannes.

Munnawar Chishty, marketing manager at Scottish Courage, said: "The Peter Kay campaign has engaged ale drinkers and the broader public alike and we are confident that 'showstopper', like earlier John Smith's executions ''ave it!' and 'top bombing', will become must-see advertising in 2004."

The ad breaks following Kay's guest appearance in ITV soap 'Coronation Street' for two episodes this week.

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