Famous Children's book character that wears a top hat?

Please help!

On the last day of the school term, all us teachers are dressing up as characters from childrens books.

I need a character that wears a top hat, so I can take in my hat and do some hat manipulation.

My hat is black, and no I don't have a bowler unfortunately. (If you want to see a picture, have a look in my gallery)

So does anyone know of any book characters I can use?

All I've got so far is the cat in the hat, which is completley the wrong colours, and I don't want to have to paint my face, as I will also be in the talent show spinning poi and have to keep washing it off, then putting it back on again.

Any suggestions asap would be gratefully recieved thanks!

Mr.Toad?

The mad hatter

A charactor from oliver twist?

MR BENN!



EDIT: oh bugger!Mr Benn has a bowler hat!

Ok, I've got one now!

Sir Topham Hatt or, less formally the Fat Controller, from Thomas the Tank Engine!

Of course he used to be the Fat Director, but then the railways were nationalised....ahem....i'll just leave quietly

my dad used to call one of our tv controllers the fat controller

Willy Wonka?

Mr Hyde?

A snow man, a snow woman !

That could be quite fun routine, if you can find a suit you can get in and out of easily.

The Artful Dodger- Oliver Twist?

ooh now that would be a fun one! cos i like to act when i do fancy dress! oooh! now i want to go to a party as the artful dodger!!!

how about the cat in the hat? you'll need to put red/white wtripes on the hat though..

hmm, some really good suggestions, thanks guys!

so far, I'm thinking about the mad hatter, and artful dodger (I'm soooooo bad at accents though!). Willy wonka is another good one. I just need to have a word with my dad I think, and see if I can get hold of suitable clothes. (he has contact with a pantomine, but not sure if they would be able to lend me anything)

I'd love to go as the snowman, but can't quite work out how I'd make the costume.

keep the suggestions coming!

And any tips on how to make the costumes would be gratefully recieved too, especially things that are quick, as I don't have much time.

op shops/opportunity shops/thrift shops/charity shops/whatever you call them in your part of the world

OK guys, so I've finally decided.... I will be a mad hatter. Mainly because my dad had a velvet green jacket (I've no idea why!).

I'll post a pic or two in my gallery after the day.

Thanks so much for your help guys!