The Gingerbread Man (Sloane and Rankin musical)

The Gingerbread Man is a popular children's musical with book, music, and lyrics by David Wood, based on the classic fairy tale of the same name. This version of the musical was originally commissioned by the Sloane and Rankin Organization (a British theatre production company specializing in family entertainment) and has seen numerous productions since its debut in the late 1970s.

The musical tells the story of a mischievous Gingerbread Man who comes to life after being baked in the kitchen. He escapes the clutches of the Old Woman and sets off on an adventure, encountering a variety of characters along the way, including a sly Fox, a clumsy Old Woman, a clever Mouse, a friendly Flour Grader, and others who all want to eat him. The Gingerbread Man taunts his pursuers with the famous line, "Run, run, run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!"

The musical is known for its catchy songs, colorful costumes, and engaging storyline that appeals to young audiences. Common themes explored in the play include the importance of caution, the dangers of vanity and overconfidence, and the eventual triumph of good over evil, although the Gingerbread Man's fate is often left open to interpretation, allowing for different directorial choices regarding the ending.

The Gingerbread Man (Sloane and Rankin musical) continues to be a staple production in children's theatre companies, schools, and amateur dramatic societies around the world, particularly during the holiday season.