When Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin started buying up rundown British rail lines way back in 1997 there was widespread outrage at the privatisation – and the hefty increase in fares – from many British commuters.
So, having failed to have its licence renewed (apparently over pension subsidies) Virgin Trains will sadly cease to be by the end of the year.
To celebrate (commiserate?) the company is going out with an all-singing, all-dancing campaign set to the Dirty Dancing track (I’ve Had) The Time of my Life.
Starring Sir Richard himself, the big budget number also stars classic UK kids icon, the indecipherable Mr Blobby; plus, Eastenders soapie star Shaun Williamson, football presenter Chris Kamara and drag artiste, Anna Phylactic.
The spot’s called “The Final Whistle” and is the work of London indie agency Cubaka. Check out the fun below:
Virgin Trains’s managing director Phil Whittingham of the ad and company’s demise: “Of course we’re extremely sad that Virgin Trains is disappearing as a train operator, but we wanted to leave as we entered: by having fun.
“We’re immensely proud of our track record over more than two decades and hope our customers enjoyed traveling with us as much as we enjoyed serving them.”
