The Christmas advert archive
The Boy and the Piano
John Lewis & Partners · 2018 · 2 min 20 sec
The Boy and the Piano
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The story
Why it stays with you
Told in reverse, it follows a famous musician back from stadium stages, through studios and early gigs, to the childhood Christmas morning when he was given a piano.
The musician is a real performer playing himself, and the song is edited to match each era the film passes through on its way back.
First shown 15 November 2018. Video availability may change.
The song behind the story
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Your Song
Performed by Elton John.
The soundtrack blends different versions of the song to match each stage of his life.
External music services. Account or subscription requirements may apply.
Behind the advert
Agency
adam&eveDDB
Director
Seb Edwards
Production company
Academy
Credits & sources
- Brand
- John Lewis & Partners
- Year
- 2018
- Cut
- Full film
- Running time
- 2 min 20
- Shown
- Online and television
- Territory
- UK
- First shown
- 15 November 2018
- Agency
- adam&eveDDB
- Director
- Seb Edwards
- Production company
- Academy
- John Lewis, official YouTube upload (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- Campaign, The Boy and the Piano by adam&eveDDB (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- The Drum, launch coverage (November 2018) (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- shots, behind the scenes with the editor (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
Record updated 28 September 2026.