Many years ago, in a studio in Tuart Hill, there lived a character named Flapper.
If you were a kid growing up in the 80s in Perth you might remember Channel 9’s Flapper and his show Flapper’s Factory.
Yesterday, during an outside radio broadcast for Activ at McCallum Park, we saw Flapper return to the stage in a one elephant show. Seeing him brought back memories but how could we have ever prepared ourselves for the absolute thrill of being invited to dance with the little blue elephant?
The video below shows fellow 98.5 Sonshine FM announcer and broadcast engineer Ash Wright, Flapper and myself dancing up a storm.
I did a little research on Flapper and found this recent article at Perth Now. Here’s part of the article talking about Flapper.
Jen Dunstan, creative director of production house, Elephant Productions was at Channel 9 with the Young People’s program department which was created by fellow director Keith Woodland in 1977.
“Keith came to the station with drawings of Flapper the elephant – so he is the father of Flapper,” said Ms Dunstan.
“This new creation was opposite to Fat Cat and Percy Penguin who were quite tall and on Channel 7.
“Some of the little children were finding these characters large and ominous in height, so he created a character which was more kid level.
“The head of the animator for five year-old Flapper lived inside his top hat and operated his eyes – the first time ever in Australia that had a character with moving eyes.”
Flapper became the Nine mascot and had his own show Flapper’s Factory, then came Flapper’s Super-heroes and at the demise of this program came Clash of the Creatures.
I love my job. Where else would you get paid to dance with a blue elephant?
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Wow! I grew up in Perth and fondly remember Flapper, he was so cute!!!
I remember sitting in the audience as a kid at Flapper’s Saturday morning show. I didn’t realise he was still around.
PS. Nice dancing!
Hey guys….isnt it great we had the opportunity to be a part of TV….both as the audience and on-camera..very active time for local TV …the 80s…glad you’ve got nice memories of our era….cheers JenD
Great to hear from you Jen.
You haven’t been to the new Sonshine FM studios in Como yet. Maybe you should drop in during my morning programme some time so that we can reminisce on-air with listeners about those days with Flapper and everything else that was happening in local TV back in the 80s.
I used to get up early and watch Percy the penguin and flapper would love to see these guys back on television for the younger generation to enjoy just like we did as children
Great memories….was never aware Saturday Brander had passed away so long ago and in such a tragic way. Riposa in pace.