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Frankenstein: The Monster Born from Science and Imagination

Writer: Paul FrancisPaul Francis

Stitched together from different corpses, powered by electricity, and misunderstood by almost everyone—Frankenstein’s creature has been terrifying (and occasionally tugging at our heartstrings) for over 200 years. But how did Mary Shelley dream up this iconic tale of scientific hubris gone wrong? Let’s dig into the origins of Frankenstein and the monster that has haunted us ever since.


Frankenstein

Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful - The Creature (From the novel Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley)

Frankenstein on Screen: From Silent Horror to Pop Culture Icon

Frankenstein’s creature has had many faces over the years, but none are more iconic than Boris Karloff’s 1931 portrayal in Universal Pictures’ Frankenstein. With his flat head, bolts in his neck, and lumbering walk, this version of the monster became the standard for all future Frankenstein films. The follow-up, Bride of Frankenstein (1935), brought an even more gothic flair, with Elsa Lanchester’s unforgettable shock-haired bride.


Since then, the monster has appeared in everything from The Monster Squad (1987) to humorous takes like Young Frankenstein (1974), proving that this tragic figure can be both terrifying and oddly lovable. The creature’s mix of innocence and strength makes him a timeless character, and the story’s themes of creation, responsibility, and isolation are just as relevant today as they were when Mary Shelley wrote the novel.


The Birth of a Monster: Mary Shelley and the Making of Frankenstein

In 1816, at the age of just 18, Mary Shelley was staying near Lake Geneva with a group of literary heavyweights, including her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron. During a rainy summer, they challenged each other to write ghost stories. From that challenge came Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, published in 1818.


But where did the idea for this horrifying yet sympathetic creature come from? One potential source was the scientific discussions happening at the time. Shelley was influenced by the emerging theories of her day, especially the work of galvanism, the idea that electricity could reanimate dead tissue. Scientists like Luigi Galvani and his nephew Giovanni Aldini were experimenting with electrical currents on dead animals—and even human corpses. Mary Shelley likely drew on these scientific advances when imagining Victor Frankenstein’s method for bringing his creation to life.


While Shelley never explicitly stated that galvanism was the sole inspiration for the novel, its themes of reanimation and the dangers of playing God fit perfectly with the public's fascination with these early scientific experiments. Frankenstein’s monster, powered by lightning, became the ultimate cautionary tale about humanity’s desire to control life and death.


Frankenstein
"To a new world of gods and monsters!" — Dr. Pretorius (Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Mary Shelley: Life, Love, and Tragedy

Mary Shelley’s life was as dramatic as the stories she wrote. The daughter of philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, she grew up surrounded by radical ideas. Her relationship with the poet Percy Shelley was scandalous—they ran away together while he was still married—and her life was marked by both intense love and deep tragedy.


Shelley experienced the loss of several of her children and her husband’s untimely death by drowning, which undoubtedly influenced the themes of loss and isolation found in Frankenstein.


The World That Made Frankenstein

The early 19th century was a time of great change and upheaval. The Industrial Revolution was beginning to reshape society, sparking new inventions, scientific breakthroughs, and fears about the consequences of unchecked progress. Europe was still recovering from the Napoleonic Wars, and questions about the limits of human power were in the air. Frankenstein taps into these anxieties, with its cautionary tale of a scientist who takes his experiments too far, paying the price for meddling with the forces of life and death.


In addition to scientific concerns, the novel explores the dangers of isolation. Both Frankenstein and his creature suffer from loneliness—Victor through his obsessive pursuit of knowledge, and the creature through his rejection by society. This theme of isolation resonated with many readers then and continues to be a powerful aspect of the story today.


A Modern Prometheus

In ancient mythology, Prometheus defied the gods to bring fire to humanity, only to be punished for his transgression. Victor Frankenstein is often compared to Prometheus, as he too defies the natural order by bringing life to the dead. But like Prometheus, Frankenstein suffers for his overreaching ambition, and his creature becomes a symbol of the unintended consequences of scientific progress.


The Lasting Legacy of Frankenstein

More than two centuries after its publication, Frankenstein remains a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical dilemmas of scientific exploration. But beyond that, it’s a deeply human story about loneliness, acceptance, and the consequences of playing God. So, this Halloween, when you see the iconic green-faced monster staggering through your nightmares, remember—he’s not just a creature; he’s a reflection of our own fears about creation, responsibility, and the limits of science.

A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s

A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s

13 March 2025

Connor Banks

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The 2000s, a time when TV adverts weren’t just interruptions but mini masterpieces that we actually enjoyed watching. Some made us laugh, some amazed us with their sheer creativity, and others embedded themselves so deeply into British culture that they’re still quoted today.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most iconic British TV adverts from the 2000s, the ones that weren’t just commercials, but cultural moments.


1. Cadbury’s "Gorilla" (2007)

Who knew that an advert about a drumming gorilla would go down in history? In 2007, Cadbury released a commercial featuring a hyper-realistic gorilla, emotionally preparing himself before launching into Phil Collins’ legendary drum solo from In the Air Tonight.

Why it’s iconic:

Completely unexpected—it had nothing to do with chocolate but everything to do with pure joy.

Perfect soundtrack choice—the slow build-up and release mirrored the satisfaction of indulging in a Dairy Milk bar.

Instant viral success—this was one of the first UK adverts to truly explode online, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Legacy:

The Gorilla advert proved that advertising didn’t have to be about product-pushing—it could be pure entertainment. It revived Cadbury’s brand and sparked a new wave of creative, surrealist advertising.


2. John Smith’s "No Nonsense" (2000s)

Few adverts in the 2000s captured British humour better than John Smith’s No Nonsense campaign, starring Peter Kay. These adverts were simple, blunt, and brilliantly funny, reinforcing the idea that John Smith’s was a beer for proper blokes, not for fancy nonsense.

Why it’s iconic:

Peter Kay’s everyman comedy—his deadpan humour made these ads stand out.

Catchphrases like "Ave It!" became legendary in football culture.

Relatable British humour—whether it was belly-flopping at a diving competition or smashing a school sports day race, these ads reflected everyday life with a twist.

Legacy:

The No Nonsense campaign made Peter Kay a national treasure and helped cement John Smith’s as the beer of choice for the no-fuss, down-to-earth drinker. Even today, people still shout "Ave It!" on the football pitch.


3. Compare the Meerkat (2009)

"Simples!" If you didn’t say that at least once in the late 2000s, were you even watching TV? What started as a simple insurance comparison site advert became a cultural phenomenon, thanks to a posh, Russian-accented meerkat named Aleksandr Orlov.

Why it’s iconic:

Aleksandr Orlov was an instant star—his snooty but lovable personality made him a household name.

Brilliantly absurd premise—people were mistaking CompareTheMarket.com for CompareTheMeerkat.com, so Aleksandr had to set the record straight.

"Simples!" became a national catchphrase, used by everyone from schoolkids to office workers.

Legacy:

Aleksandr became more famous than the actual company, leading to merchandise, books, spin-offs, and a continued advertising run into the 2020s. The success of the campaign skyrocketed CompareTheMarket.com’s business, proving how powerful a well-executed character can be.


4. Guinness "Surfer" (1999, but huge in the 2000s)

Even though it debuted in 1999, the Guinness Surfer ad remained one of the most talked-about and re-aired commercials throughout the 2000s. A black-and-white cinematic masterpiece, it followed a group of surfers waiting for the perfect wave—only for the waves to turn into giant, galloping white horses.

Why it’s iconic:

Stunning visuals—the white horses bursting through the waves looked mythical and otherworldly.

Powerful narration—with the unforgettable opening line:


"He waits. That’s what he does."


Perfect brand message—just like a slow-poured pint of Guinness, good things come to those who wait.

Legacy:

This advert defined Guinness advertising for years to come. It won numerous awards and is still voted one of the greatest ads of all time.


5. Tango - "You’ve Been Tango’d" (2000s)

Loud, chaotic, and slightly violent—Tango adverts in the 2000s were as bold as the drink itself. The most infamous one? The "Tango Slap", where an orange-painted man ran up to an unsuspecting drinker and slapped them across the face.

Why it’s iconic:

Outrageously funny—it was so ridiculous that people actually copied it.

So controversial it got banned—after kids started recreating the slap in schools, the ad had to be toned down.

Tango’s branding became instantly recognisable—the phrase "You’ve been Tango’d" became part of British pop culture.

Legacy:

While the original slap ad was banned, the "No Nonsense" spirit of Tango continued with new variations, including sumo wrestlers and explosive reactions.


6. Walkers Crisps – Gary Lineker (2000s)

For nearly three decades, Gary Lineker has been the face of Walkers Crisps, and in the 2000s, the adverts perfected the formula—Lineker trying to steal crisps and getting his comeuppance.

Why it’s iconic:

A consistent and lovable campaign—people expected Lineker to appear in every new Walkers ad.

Brilliantly simple humour—whether he was getting outsmarted by kids or fighting over a packet, the ads always entertained.

Memorable catchphrases—especially "No More Mr. Nice Guy."

Legacy:

The Walkers & Lineker partnership is one of the longest-running brand collaborations ever, helping Walkers remain the UK’s top crisp brand.



The 2000s were a golden era for British TV adverts. These weren’t just ads—they were pop culture moments that stuck with us, made us laugh, and sometimes even inspired us. Whether it was a drumming gorilla, a mischievous Lineker, or a Russian meerkat, these ads weren’t just selling products—they were shaping our collective nostalgia.

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