TV Commercial Review
Memorable
Effective
Style
Heart or Humor
Execution
Good
The bus that keeps getting away
Specsavers’ latest ad, directed by Mr. Yankey through Armoury, brings a comical twist to everyday vision mishaps, reminding us that a quick trip to the optician could save us from some cringe-worthy moments. The 30-second spot humorously highlights relatable vision fails—a barber botching a haircut and a commuter constantly missing his bus—perfect examples of what happens when you need an eye test.
Creative Concept & Humor
The ad’s lighthearted tone taps into Specsavers‘ long-running tradition of playful humor. The barber’s mistake is a classic example of Specsavers’ trademark “Should’ve gone to Specsavers” tagline, where a minor oversight escalates into an exaggerated but funny disaster. Similarly, the scene with the commuter missing the bus over and over brings in that everyday frustration, now seen through the lens of poor eyesight.
Execution & Directing
Mr. Yankey’s direction keeps the pace fast and the comedy sharp. The timing of each mishap feels perfectly tuned to maintain the viewer’s attention, ensuring the punchlines land effectively. There’s no need for complicated backstories or flashy effects—just simple, relatable gags that leave a lasting impression.
Standout Performances
The cast does an excellent job selling the humor. George Eggay, as the barber, conveys just the right amount of confusion and horror as his mistake unfolds. At the same time, Adam Loxley’s weary commuter captures the frustration of missing the bus by mere inches time and again. The ad’s humor comes across as universal, making it an easy win for Specsavers, especially for an audience that’s likely experienced similar blunders.
Production Quality
From a production standpoint, the ad is sleek but doesn’t overshadow the simple jokes. Rik Burnell’s cinematography captures the action cleanly, while the set design feels familiar and grounded, especially in the barbershop. The minimal use of props allows the physical comedy to take center stage. The stylish work of makeup artist Bianca Simone and hair stylist Lauren Palmer enhances the characters without pulling focus from the core message.
Credits & Agency Work
The creative team at Specsavers, including Art Director Reece Fernandes and Copywriter Dana Jungerius, did a great job keeping the brand’s signature wit front and center. Simon Bougourd’s direction as Creative Director ensured the ad stayed on message, while Agency Producer Joanna Brock and the team at Armoury brought everything together seamlessly. It’s a smooth operation from conception to final product, backed by skilled production management from Robyn Warwick and James McLaughlin.
Pros
- Relatable humor: The situations are easily recognizable, making the ad memorable.
- Strong performances: The cast’s expressions and comedic timing are spot on.
- Simple yet effective direction: Mr. Yankey ensures the humor feels natural, never forced.
- Specsavers’ consistent branding: The ad fits neatly into Specsavers’ long-running campaign style.
Cons
- Predictability: While effective, the “Should’ve gone to Specsavers” concept is becoming a bit predictable. It works, but it might not surprise anyone anymore.
- Limited storyline: The focus is primarily on quick gags, so there’s less depth in storytelling, though it suits the campaign’s format.
Final Verdict
Specsavers continues to excel with its humorous approach to vision care. This ad keeps the laughs coming while delivering a clear message: if you’re missing the details (or the bus), it’s time to check your eyes. With solid performances, slick production, and relatable humor, the campaign is another win for the brand, even if it sticks to familiar territory.
Credits
Client – Specsavers (UK):
Client: Simone Roberts
Client: Rebecca Holmes
Lead Creative Business Partner: Felicity Pelley
Creative Director: Simon Bougourd
Art Director: Reece Fernandes
Copywriter: Dana Jungerius
Agency Producer: Joanna Brock
TV & Content Producer: Katerine Blom
Production – Armoury (UK):
Director: Mr Yankey
Executive Producer: Matt Hichens
Producer: James McLaughlin
Production Manager: Robyn Warwick
Production Assistant: Indy Calland
Location Manager: Tom Clarke
1st Assistant Director: Jack Meredith
2nd Assistant Director: Dan Hasson
Directors Assistant: Judah Meade
DOP: Rik Burnell
Production Designer: Chris Melgram
Set Decorator Sarah Bick
Stylist: Gabbi Edmunds
Makeup Artist: Bianca Simone
Hair Stylist: Lauren Palmer
Talent:
Adam Loxley
Ro Kumar
Sandy Foster
George Eggay
Offline Edit – Stitch (UK):
Editor: Chris Hutchings
Producer: Alice Clarke
Animation / Graphics: Carolyn Henry
Colourists – Coffee and TV (UK):
Grade: Lewis Crossfield
Producer: Gus Quirk
