Famous Five back on board for another Great Western Railway adventure

The Famous Five are back on board with Great Western Railway – taking their first new adventure by train since 2020.

A new TV ad, ‘Five Get There First’, promotes travelling by train and how it can deliver a level of comfort, speed, sustainability and ability to socialise you just don’t get by taking the car.

The campaign, the fourth to feature the Famous Five, aims to highlight the green credentials of travelling by train versus the car among its key benefits*.

A trip to the seaside pits Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny in their exhaust-spewing automobile, against the Famous Five travelling in the comfort of a hybrid GWR train.

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Richard E. Grant reprises his role as Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny is voiced by Jennifer Saunders. “Last one there is a rotten egg,” calls out Uncle Quentin as he speeds away.

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But the duo endure a terrible journey plagued by traffic delays, road pollution, a mud-obscured windscreen and farmyard hazards, before careering through the streets of a quiet seaside town.

Meanwhile, Julian, George, Dick, Anne and Timmy the dog have a far more peaceful trip, complete with lovely views, conversation and delicious cups of tea.

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By the time Quentin and Fanny arrive their clapped-out car is close to breaking down, and the children have already been there for some time. Finally reunited, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny resolve to start travelling by train as well.

GWR is delivering almost a 5% increase in train services every day across the network this summer and ‘Five Get There First’ is a fun way to highlight the benefits of travelling by train, encouraging more people to make the switch from car to rail.

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The campaign aims to inspire travellers to take their own adventure and uncover the wealth of exciting destinations across the GWR network, from the Cotswolds, to London, South Wales and the south coast.

GWR Director of Sales and Marketing, Amanda Burns, said:

“We’re proud to continue to produce distinctive advertising campaigns that stand out in a crowded travel market and hope ‘Five Get There First’ inspires people to travel with GWR and experience our world-class destinations for themselves.”

The campaign, based on Enid Blyton’s original Famous Five narratives, was again created by agency adam&eveDDB.

adam&eveDDB Executive Creative Director Ben Tollett said:

“We couldn’t be prouder to present yet another high energy caper from the Famous Five. This time the gang race to the beach, whilst Aunt Fanny and Uncle Quentin find trouble in taking the car.”