Cape Town – Multi-award-winning comedian and South Africa’s premier ventriloquist, Conrad Koch, and the country’s most outspoken puppet, Chester Missing, are bringing their boldest, funniest show yet to Theatre on the Bay this February.
Cape Town audiences are known for their sharp wit, fearless laughter, and love of clever satire – which is exactly why Conrad Koch and his infamous alter ego Chester Missing have chosen the Mother City as the final stop of their national Puppet Power tour.
Running at Theatre on the Bay from 10-14 February 2026, this limited Cape Town season marks the end of a tour that has travelled across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, the Eastern Cape, and the Garden Route, delivering sold-out performances and standing ovations along the way.
“Cape Town crowds are different,” said Kochon on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
“They’re quick, they’re politically aware, and they love characters that push boundaries.
“Ending Puppet Power here feels like bringing the show home to an audience that really gets it.”
At the heart of the show is Chester Missing, South Africa’s most unapologetic puppet, whose no-filter commentary anchors a line-up of wildly entertaining characters — each bringing their own brand of chaos to the stage.
“Chester is the voice we all have in our heads but would never say out loud,” Koch explained.
“He says the wrong thing at exactly the right time.”
Joining Chester are a mix of familiar favourites and new scene-stealers, including:
- Hilton the Ostrich, a party-loving bird with questionable life choices
- DJ Hoodie, the puppet who actually DJs live on stage
- Gordon Ratsy, a celebrity chef rat with strong opinions and zero hygiene
- And a talking dinosaur, hilariously powered by an audience member
“These characters let us talk about serious things without it feeling heavy,” said Koch.
“You can laugh at a rat or a dinosaur and suddenly realise you’re also laughing at ourselves.”
Chester, naturally, sees it differently.
“These characters are here to support me,” he says.
“I’m the star. Hilton is comic relief. The dinosaur is there because Conrad ran out of ideas.”
Beyond the silliness, Puppet Power taps into the collective mood of 2026, offering a release valve through laughter at a time when audiences are craving connection, honesty, and joy.
“People don’t want to be preached to,” Koch said
“They want to laugh, to feel seen, and to walk out lighter than they walked in.
“That’s what this show does.”
With Puppet Power officially closing after its Cape Town run, fans are encouraged not to miss this final opportunity to experience the show live.
Koch confirms he is already developing new material and future productions, expected to roll out later in 2026 – making this season a true end-of-an-era moment.
PUPPET POWER – CAPE TOWN (FINAL TOUR STOP)
Dates: 10 – 14 February 2026
Venue: Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay
Bookings: Webtickets.co.za
Direct booking link: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1577714764
