Joburg Launches ‘Puppet Power’ for the First Time
Johannesburg – South Africa’s most mischievous puppet and his clever handler are back in action.
The comedy duo of Conrad Koch and Chester Missing is set to kick off their national tour of Puppet Power in Johannesburg with a four-night performance at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from 10–13 July 2025.
Audiences can expect a vibrant blend of characters, worldwide satire, and unrepentant humor on stage.
From award-winning political ventriloquist Conrad Koch comes a show that’s both outrageously funny and poignantly insightful.
Puppet Power captures the whirlwind of modern life, where critical global issues are often reduced to TikTok videos and memes – and where, as Koch puts it, “puppets rule the roost.”
“This performance is 99% fun with a touch of satirical truth,” Koch observes.
“In many areas of life—whether it’s love, work, or politics—we’re all a bit like puppets.”
“Chester Missing, tired of being confined to a suitcase, believes it’s finally time for Puppet Power to shine.”
Fans can anticipate new characters alongside beloved favorites such as Hilton, the party-loving ostrich, DJ Hoodie, the puppet DJ, Mr. Dixon, the high school teacher, and Gunter, the German mosquito.
Joining Chester Missing is Gordon Ratsy – a celebrity chef who happens to be a rat – plus an actual talking dinosaur brought to life by a daring audience member.
Koch’s acclaimed social commentary is sharper than ever, addressing topics from Elon Musk’s infatuation with X to global politics, life jackets on FlySafair flights, and the quirky local terminology for traffic lights as “robots.”
However, let’s not forget: Puppet Power is at its core a comedy show. “People are craving laughter,” Koch asserts.
“We’ve all been through so much. This show celebrates joy and absurdity, sprinkled with commentary for those interested.”
The Puppet Power tour begins in Johannesburg before making its way across the country, with confirmed stops including Cape Town (Observatory and Strand), Makhanda (National Arts Festival), George, Prince Albert, Noordhoek, Durban, Howick, East London, St Francis Bay, and Gqeberha, where it will perform at The Marine on 3 October.
“We’re especially excited to return to Montecasino,” Koch adds. “It’s always a highlight, thanks to the incredible audience energy.”
Chester had his own perspective: “Thanks for finally asking! Conrad is a hack who leveraged my talent for fame. This show is all about me. I’m the real comedic genius!”
Puppet Power National Tour Dates – 2025
Cape Town
Ground Culture, Observatory
11 & 12 June 2025
Makhanda
National Arts Festival
28 June – 5 July 2025
Johannesburg
Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino
10–13 July 2025
Cape Town (Strand)
The Drama Factory
24–25 July 2025
George
George Arts Theatre
8 August 2025
Prince Albert
The Showroom Theatre
9 August 2025
Noordhoek
Café Roux
15 August 2025
Durban
Rhumbelow Durban Umbilo
12 – 14 September 2025
Rhumbelow Northlands
19 – 20 September 2025
Howick
The Old Mushroom Farm
11 September 2025
East London
Legends Exclusive Venue
2 October 2025
Gqeberha
Southern Sun, The Marine
3 October 2025
St Francis Bay
St Francis Bay Brewing Company
5 October 2025
For tickets to all of Conrad’s shows in 2025, visit his website: https://conradkoch.co.za/
Conrad Koch – Mini Bio
Conrad Koch is among South Africa’s top comedians and satirists, recognized for his brilliant humor and ventriloquism expertise.
With a Master’s degree in social anthropology, he melds academic insights with outrageous comedy, often through the voice of his famous character, Chester Missing.
His work has earned international acclaim, including performances on Comedy Central, CNN, and the BBC, plus numerous South African comedy awards.
Through satire, silliness, and animated puppets, Koch addresses serious issues with unfiltered honesty and comedic impact.
