Cape Town Gets the Final Say as Puppet Power Takes Its Last Bow

Multi-award-winning comedian and South Africa’s leading ventriloquist, Conrad Koch, is bringing his hit show Puppet Power to Cape Town for one final run. Joined by the country’s most outspoken puppet, Chester Missing, Koch closes the national tour at Theatre on the Bay this February.

Running from 10 to 14 February 2026, the Cape Town season marks the final stop of Puppet Power after a successful run across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route. The tour has delivered sold-out shows, repeat bookings and standing ovations nationwide.

Cape Town was deliberately chosen for the finale.

“Cape Town audiences are sharp, politically aware and quick to laugh,” says Koch. “They appreciate satire that pushes boundaries. Ending Puppet Power here feels right, because this audience truly gets the humour.”

At the centre of the show is Chester Missing, the no-filter puppet who has become a cultural fixture through his fearless commentary on politics, identity and everyday South African life.

“Chester is the voice people recognise instantly,” Koch explains. “He says the things we think, but never dare to say out loud.”

A Cast of Characters That Push the Limits

While Chester leads the charge, Puppet Power features a full cast of eccentric characters, each adding their own layer of chaos and comedy.

Audiences can expect appearances from
• Hilton the Ostrich, a party-loving bird with poor decision-making skills
• DJ Hoodie, the puppet who actually DJs live on stage
• Gordon Ratsy, a celebrity chef rat with strong opinions and questionable hygiene
• A talking dinosaur, animated with the help of an unsuspecting audience member

“These characters allow us to tackle serious topics without weighing the show down,” says Koch. “You laugh first, then realise the joke is also about you.”

Chester, unsurprisingly, has his own take.

“They are all here to support me,” he says. “I am the main attraction. Hilton is filler. The dinosaur exists because Conrad panicked.”

Comedy for the Mood of 2026

Puppet Power reflects the cultural moment of 2026, where audiences are looking for relief, honesty and shared laughter rather than lectures.

“People want connection,” Koch says. “They want to feel seen, to laugh freely, and to leave feeling lighter than when they arrived. That is what this show delivers.”

With this Cape Town run officially closing Puppet Power, fans are encouraged to book early. Koch has confirmed that new material and future productions are already in development for later in 2026, making this season a genuine end-of-an-era performance.

Puppet Power. Final Tour Stop. Cape Town.

Show details
Dates: 10 to 14 February 2026
Venue: Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay
Bookings: Webtickets.co.za