BMP DDB’s 30th birthday celebrations had been billed as ’30 Years
of Bright Ideas’, but whoever had the bright idea to shelve Leo Sayer in
favour of Chas ’n’ Dave, sadly misjudged the mood of the nation.
The Royal Albert Hall bash had the Cockney singing duo on hand to, er,
entertain with the infamous Gertcha from the Courage Best ad of the 70s,
albeit to a slightly depleted audience. Most had sought refuge in the
venue’s many bars where bemused European waiters were quizzing guests on
the identity of the singing duo.
Mark Lamarr was great as compere, but most of the evening was given over
to reminiscing about old ads and former clients.
Hot tickets on the night included a black racing tag which allowed the
wearer full access at the Royal Albert Hall and a ticket to BMP’s
private party at the nearby Kensington Roof Gardens. Chris Powell, the
chief executive of BMP, had warned staff to to be on their best
behaviour at the Albert Hall but said they could let their hair down at
the later party from which clients and press were supposed to be
excluded.
After managing to blag a ticket, we were disappointed to discover that
BMP staff are as nicely behaved in private as in public. They were
allowed to bring their partners so, apart from the odd love-rivalry,
there was no scandal.
Both parties were a fitting tribute to the agency’s 30 years, but it
seemed an odd turn of events that one of the most modest agencies in
London decided to hire the Albert Hall for its latest celebration when
previous anniversaries have been cheerfully celebrated with a glass of
Lambrusco in its offices in Paddington.
