A boy saw a show on the London stage,
A fine adaptation that began on the page.
“What show?” asked a friend, who wanted to know.
“I went to see The Gruffalo.”
“The Gruffalo? What’s The Gruffalo?”
“The Gruffalo? Why, didn’t you know?
It’s like the picture book rather a lot.
For a start, it shares a most similar plot
About Mouse, who sets off through the deep dark wood
In search of a nut, for the nut looked good.
While on his adventure, three creatures he meets,
Who try to befriend him for giggles and eats.
To scare them away, a foul fiend he makes up.
Then this mouse is surprised when the monster shows up.
That’s how the book goes. On stage there is more.
Why else would you walk through the theatre’s front door?
This regular hit in London’s West End
Has added back stories for each woodland ‘friend’.
The Snake does the samba. The Owl chocks away.
The Fox is a wide boy with so much to say.
The cast, made of three, plays with gags and invention.
They mess with the rules of theatrical convention.
To call this fine trio’s performance immaculate
Would not be hyperbole, but honest and accurate.
At times, for a kids show, the script gets quite ‘meta’.
For adults, this may make the play even better.
For kids there is shouting and roaring galore.
At the end, those stage minors were calling for more.”
Said the friend, in response, “aha” and “oho,
I must head to London to take in this show.”
Boy nodded his head and agreed his friend should.
A boy saw a show and the show was good.