Hippo World Guest Book

Hippo World Guest Book starts with a deliciously simple concept. It’s based on a real (though now defunct) web site for hippo fans, started in the year 2000 by an American guy named Ramon Valencia. The site included a guest book where visitors could leave a message. And all should have been well… Only Ramon never moderated the guest book.

In a virtuosic and uniquely compelling performance, Chris Goode simply presents an hour-long recital of the edited highlights of the guest book over the six years of its existence: a sadly familiar trajectory of naïve optimism undermined by arguments, thwarted by abuse, and finally obliterated by spam.

Uproariously funny but also strangely profound and ultimately intensely melancholy, Hippo World Guest Book is a show that’s been both revered and reviled since its first appearance on the Edinburgh fringe in 2007.

Featuring a ravishing soundtrack and a taped introduction narrated by the late Oliver Postgate (Bagpuss), it’s a performance you’ll never forget.

REVIEWS

“Goode’s performance is a masterclass in self-effacement, not to mention deadpan comic timing. Surprisingly moving.”
The Guardian

“Deeply, seriously funny. The guy might just be a genius”
Edinburgh Guide

“Quite simply astonishing. … Intangibly beautiful and sad”
Culture Wars

CREDITS

Writer / Performer – Chris Goode

DATES

Upcoming

26 November The Brewery, Bristol

History

December 2011 Stoke Newington International Airport

November 2009 Camden People’s Theatre (as part of Lean Upstream)

Spring 2008 UK Tour

August 2007 Edinburgh Festival