Created in 1958 by artists Maria Perego, Federico Caldura and Guido Stagnaro, Topo Gigio was the lead character of a children’s puppet show on Italian television in the 1960s.

The cheeky little mouse became an American – and worldwide sensation – in 1963 after appearing on the Ed Sullivan show.

So skilled were the four people behind the foam rubber mouse – three puppeteers manipulated its body parts, and another was the voice - that it appeared the little guy could walk, talk, sing and even perch on Sullivan’s shoulder.

Topo Gigio made more than 50 appearances on the Ed Sullivan show and closed the final show in 1971. We recommend looking at some old clips on YouTube to see how charming the mouse was.

An icon of Italian pop culture, it’s no surprise this Italian restaurant in London chose to name itself after Topo Gigio. In the 1970s, London was still a swinging place to be, and this restaurant was in the heart of the capital’s theatreland.

The friendly little mouse was featured on the front and back covers of the menu – also in the interior - and on a sign above the entrance. Top Gigio moved from Great Windmill Street to Brewer Street and by 2022 was under new ownership. It closed soon after.