Jim Jim the Dog-faced Boy was a semi-famous circus freak from the olden days. He toured America delighting the proles with his bearded face, scampering charmingly around his cage, and mewling like a suckling vole. Jim Jim had been born with a weird genetic disease which cursed him with all-over body hair and other canine attributes. Some might say that I have taken the life of this misunderstood, tragic human being and pissed all over it by mocking him in this musical. I say: 'no'. I have attempted to present Jim Jim the Dog-faced Boy less as a revolting, gibbering lycanthrope, and more as a hairy little boy who never had a friend. The actual plotline ignores whatever happened to the real-life Jim Jim, on account of my not bothering to research the bastard. Instead I have ripped off the story of 'Pinnochio', but replaced the little wooden boy with a little dog-faced boy. I feel it is an improvement. Incidentally, if the family of the real-life Jim Jim happens to be reading this (assuming of course that they can read), then I will be happy to recieve whatever threatening letters and death threats they care to send me. The same goes for any circus performers who are offended- I would be willing to shake you all by the flipper and discuss my work with you. Unfortunately, only the first scene of this breathtaking musical spectacular remains intact (or, indeed, has been written). It chronicles the birth of our hero, Jim Jim, and the reactions of his parents and a confused and physically sickened doctor. To the hospital...
A hospital room. FATHER stands anxiously with his arm around MOTHER, who is in bed. The DOCTOR turns around with a bundle in his arms.
DOCTOR
Well, my friends, it gives me joy
That I can report delivery of a baby boy.
FATHER
Thanks, Doc, you did just swell.
Oh, Im very sorry darling! You were great as well.
DOCTOR
Im afraid theres been the slightest hitch:
It seems that your darling wifey is a thoroughbred bitch.
FATHER
What, sir, did you just say?
If you dare insult my family I will make you pay!
MOTHER
Thats right, tell him George!
I demand you get me transfered to another ward.
DOCTOR
No offence, but I can see
That someone in the family has a pedigree.
FATHER
I just dont understand your game at all-
Are you sure you wouldnt like to take this in the hall?
MOTHER
There, there boys, the subjects changed
Shall we call the baby Gavin or do you like James?
DOCTOR
No, maam, I must explain,
Perhaps the choice of Fido is a better name?
FATHER
Thats it, Ive enough of this
Ill punch your bleedin lights out if you take the piss...
DOCTOR
See for yourself, but just be warned:
You may not like the wretched thing that you have spawned...
They peer into the bundle.
MOTHER
Whats this?! It cannot be!
That looks more like a daschund than a child to me.
FATHER
Its far, far worse than I had feared:
My darling first-born infant has a full-fledged beard!
DOCTOR
I understand that youre in shock
Its not everyday you give birth to a damned Ewok.
FATHER
Whats caused this thing?
DOCTOR
I cannot say.
The only explanation is your DNA.
MOTHER
Its all your fault, this hairy mite
Resulted from a bottle and an early night!
DOCTOR
My colleagues can assist you yet
Head shrinkers, social workers and local vet.
FATHER
Thankyou, Doc, but were just fine
Id best get down the Feathers before closing time.
MOTHER
Oh no you dont, were going home
To get our cherub settled in the nursery room.
FATHER
He is our son, so I suppose
Well have to love his moulting and his cold wet nose.
DOCTOR
Thats the idea, youll do just great
But remember to go walkies at least twice a day.
They leave.
A dog-faced boy? Thats something new.
They could make a bit of money with a back-yard zoo.
I now am faced with a moral test;
Should I make a telephone call to the tabloid press?...
The answer would be yes.