Events · 04 Jul 2025
Conrad Koch and Chester Missing’s Puppet Power Tour Hits Johannesburg
South Africa’s most irreverent puppet and his clever handler are back with Puppet Power Johannesburg. Comedy duo Conrad Koch and Chester Missing launch their national tour at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from 10–13 July 2025, bringing four nights of wild laughter, sharp satire, and, as always, unapologetic silliness.
Fresh Faces and Sharp Satire in Puppet Power Johannesburg
From award-winning ventriloquist Conrad Koch, Puppet Power Johannesburg is a wildly funny yet sneakily sharp show that dives into the absurdity of modern life. Expect a fresh cast of characters, including Gordon Ratsy, a celebrity chef who’s literally a rat, and a talking dinosaur animated by a brave audience member. As always, fan favourites like Hilton the party-loving ostrich, DJ Hoodie, MR Dixon, the high school teacher, and Gunter the German mosquito also return. Koch’s razor-sharp social commentary tackles everything from Elon Musk’s X obsession to calling traffic lights “robots,” all wrapped in absurd humour.
“This show is 99% silliness with a dash of satirical truth. We’re all puppets in some way — in our marriages, at work, and definitely in politics.”
~Conrad Koch, Puppet Power Johannesburg
Chester Missing Leads Johannesburg’s Puppet Power
Chester Missing, the cheeky puppet who’s become a cultural icon, isn’t holding back. “Conrad is a hack who rode my career to fame. This show is about me. I’m the funny one!” Chester quips. His frustration at being “kept in a suitcase” fuels the show’s central theme of puppets taking charge. Audiences can expect his bold takes on politics and society, delivered with disarming wit, in this Johannesburg comedy spectacle.
Laughter and Joy at Puppet Power Johannesburg
Puppet Power Johannesburg is, above all, a comedy extravaganza. “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.” The Montecasino run promises incredible audience energy, with Koch noting it’s always a highlight of their tours.
Puppet Power’s Nationwide Comedy Tour
After Puppet Power Johannesburg, the show hits the road, with stops in Cape Town (Observatory and Strand), Makhanda (National Arts Festival), George, Prince Albert, Noordhoek, Durban, Howick, East London, St Francis Bay, and Gqeberha, concluding at The Marine on 3 October 2025. Key dates include Cape Town’s Ground Culture on 11–12 June and Durban’s Rhumbelow venues in September.
Meet Conrad Koch: Puppet Power’s Mastermind
Conrad Koch, a multi-award-winning comedian with a Master’s in social anthropology, is South Africa’s premier ventriloquist. With over 130 million TikTok views and two International Emmy nominations, his blend of intelligent humour and outrageous characters has earned global acclaim. Chester Missing, his most famous creation, offers thought-provoking satire through hilarious puppetry. Koch’s performances, seen on Comedy Central, CNN, and the BBC, unite audiences through laughter.
Book Tickets for Puppet Power Johannesburg
Don’t miss Puppet Power Johannesburg at Montecasino from 10–13 July 2025. Book tickets via Conrad Koch’s website: www.conradkoch.co.za. Follow Conrad and Chester on social media for updates: