Monkhouse returns in cancer awareness ad
The Prostate Cancer Re-search Foundation is bringing late comedian Bob Monkhouse back to life in a new advertising campaign four years after he died from the disease.
The “Give a few bob” campaign uses advanced filming and editing techniques to bring Monkhouse back from the dead to speak about his experience of prostate cancer as he stands by his own gravestone.
The TV, cinema, outdoor, press, radio and direct marketing campaign has been created by integrated agency The Communications Agency (TCA) and breaks this week. The launch coincides with Men’s Health Week.
TCA chairman Robert Prevezer says: “We set about creating a campaign which will dramatically increase awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds for vital research into the disease. I challenge any man over 40 years old to be unmoved by what he sees or hears in this campaign.”
The campaign is being supported by Monkhouse’s widow Jackie, who adds: “Bob laughed his way through life and it’s great, if not a little strange, to see him cracking jokes again.”
TCA worked with Red Bee Media and director Steve Cope, who was part of the team that created an ad for BBC Radio 2 featuring Elvis introducing a line-up of modern musicians.
The Monkhouse campaign is being supported by companies including WH Smith and News International and will encourage people to visit the campaign website www.giveafewbob.org.
