South Africa’s most irreverent puppet and his dangerously clever handler are back! Award-winning political ventriloquist Conrad Koch and his silly sidekick Chester Missing are back with Puppet Power – a show that brings a fresh cast of characters, global satire, and unapologetic silliness to the Cape Town stage. Here’s everything you need to know.
Puppet Power Leans into the Madness of Modern Times
Puppet Power sees the world-renowned puppet Chester Missing trying his best to make sense of the current state of the world, where serious global issues are reduced to TikTok clips and memes and where, as Chester’s handler Conrad Koch puts it, “puppets rule supreme.”
“This show is 99% silliness with a dash of satirical truth,” says Koch. “We’re all puppets in some way — in our marriages, at work, and definitely in politics. Chester Missing is just frustrated at being kept in a suitcase. For him, Puppet Power is an idea whose time has finally come.”
Audiences can expect an all-new cast of characters alongside Chester Missing and other fan favourites, such as Hilton the party-obsessed ostrich, DJ Hoodie the puppet who actually DJs, the school teacher Mr Dixon, and Gunter the German mosquito. Meanwhile, joining Chester Missing on stage for the first time are Gordon Ratsy – a celebrity chef and literal rat – and an actual talking dinosaur animated by a brave audience member.
Throughout the show, Koch’s signature social commentary is as sharp as ever, touching on topics from Elon Musk’s X obsession and global politics to life jackets on FlySafair flights and calling traffic lights “robots.”
However, for all the commentary, Puppet Power is first and foremost a comedy show. “People are hungry for laughter,” Koch says. “We’ve all been through so much. This show leans into joy and absurdity, with a touch of commentary for those who want it.”
For a night of sharp laughs, insightful political opinions, and all-around puppet fun, look no further than Puppet Power.
All the Cape Town Stops on the Puppet Power Tour
Puppet Power is heading across the country, with a few stops in the Mother City:
11 and 12 June 2025: Ground Culture Cafe, Observatory. Tickets can be booked on Quicket.
24 and 25 July 2025: The Drama Factory, Strand. Tickets can be booked on the website.
28 June – 5 July: National Arts Festival, Makhanda. Tickets available on the website.
15 August 2025: cafe Roux, Noordhoek. Tickets can be booked on Quicket.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure your place at this one-of-a-kind comedy show.
Website: www.conradkoch.co.za
Facebook: Mr Chester Missing
Instagram: @theconradkoch
