Norman the Gnu was the mascot for Typhoo Tea from 1976-1979. He was a talking, singing gnu animated by Tetley Tea Folk creator Tony Cattaneo at the studio Wyatt Cattaneo. Most of his ads would involve him singing a song about why Typhoo teabags are the only ones that will do for him.
Norman's voice was provided by Derek Griffiths.
In his first ad, he sat at a piano and played a song introducing himself and his cup of Typhoo, singing about how nice of a brew it was, the piano instrumental would be known as the main theme for the Gnu ads from then on.
In his second ad, he was seen getting onto a buffet car, holding a suitcase which opens to reveal his Typhoo Tea while a waiter brings him down a cup and a teapot. The gnu sings again about how Typhoo is the best brew and cheap teabags won't do. Unfortunately for him, the ticket inspector reveals his ticket is out of date, causing him to have to leave the car, which doesn't seem to bother him much.
In his third and fourth ads, he would come across someone trying to get him or others to try inferior tea/teabags and would sing to them about how Typhoo was the right choice.
His last appearance appeared to have been in 1979 as nothing later than that year has resurfaced. In this final appearance, he advertised free petrol at Texaco with tokens from Typhoo.
Merchandise[]
Since he was so short-lived, Norman had a few merchandise but not a lot. These included coasters, flasks and a Gnu plush toy.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Norman's song is based on The Gnu Song released in 1957 by Flanders and Swann