Latest news with #ChesterMissing
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘We're all puppets': Q&A with Chester Missing
The Citizen asked Chester Missing to make sense of some of the world's most pressing questions. He's cheeky, he's funny, he's a heartbreaker and a ball-breaker. Chester Missing is a South African legend and so too is his boss Conrad Koch. Both will deny manipulation in either direction, always, but one is a puppet. Remember that. And the pair, along with some friends, are on tour with a brand new serving of satire, funnies and super-silly. The new show is called Puppet Power. Koch, via his brood of puppet cast, takes on the craziness of modern life where global crises are reduced to TikTok clips and shares, likes and whatever. Front and centre is Missing who, said Koch, was tired of being zipped up in a suitcase because, right now, humanity isn't. 'We're all puppets – in politics, work, even relationships,' Koch said. No topic is off-limits. Koch weaves in everything from Elon Musk's latest antics to FlySafair's life jackets and South Africa's beloved 'robots'. ALSO READ: Mpho Popps dragged for using late Presley Chweneyagae's memorial in comedy skit No holy cows in Chester Missing's show Missing is the mouthpiece of a show that's not just hilarious but chases the bottom line like an accountant would a spreadsheet. The Citizen asked the puppet to make sense of some of the world's most pressing questions. If you could send a message to world leaders the likes of the US, UK, Russia, Israel, Iran, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ukraine – what would it be? Everyone from Donald Trump to Cyril Ramaphosa to John Steenhuisen has a hand in their booboo controlling them. They are all puppets! They must start doing what is in the interests of their people, not of the billionaire hand in their booboo. How do you deal with the office suck-up who won't leave you alone? Leave the office vacuum cleaner by their desk with their name on it. Do it every day until they stop sucking. What if picking a job or boss worked like swiping on Tinder? My boss sticks his hand inside of me, so TBH, this is not that different from Tinder. Is marriage outdated, and are traditional gender roles really gone – or just hiding at the braai? I am a puppet who lives in a suitcase. I can't get married, but I was dating a Barbie doll for a short while. All I know is if you get married, you will also have to get used to having someone put words in your mouth. Conspiracy theorist David Icke says reptilians run the world. Thoughts? I think David Icke must stop being so rude about Helen Zille. She's just very abrasive, not an actual reptile. There's a small but important difference. Describe your perfect puppet first date. Miss Piggy, but she is way out of my league. What annoys puppets most about humans? That you haven't all realised that you are also puppets. You think social media influencers actually like the crap they try sell? Pffft. Ridiculous! Why should people come see the show? Because it's hilarious and fun, and utterly silly. And it includes me, Chester Missing, and I am amazing. We also have an actual DJ puppet who actually DJs. Besides, if you are going to be ruled by puppets, you might as well also laugh at them. Audiences can also expect fan favourites in the show like Hilton, the party-loving ostrich, DJ Hoodie, the puppet who actually DJs, and Mr Dixon, the over-it high school teacher. New recruits include Gordon Ratsy, a celebrity chef who happens to be a rat, and a talking dinosaur brought to life by an unsuspecting audience member. After its run at Montecasino's Pieter Toerien Theatre from 10-13 July, the tour heads across the country, with stops from Cape Town through to Gqeberha. NOW READ: 'A validation of the hard work I've put in': Khanyisile Ngwenya on her first Comics' Choice win
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From laughter to liberation: Conrad Koch talks 'Puppet Power' and comedy's role in tough times
Comedy duo Conrad Koch and Chester Missing are back to tickle the funnybone with 'Puppet Power'. Image: Supplied Catch 'Puppet Power', the national tour by comedy duo Conrad Koch and Chester Missing, is coming to the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino for a limited run from July 10. Ahead of the show, 'Independent Media Lifestyle' caught up with Koch to unpack his journey in the industry, especially with his socio-political commentary that has left Mzansi in stitches. When asked how the evolution of current affairs-driven comedy influenced his latest show, "Puppet Power", he said: 'With the rise of TikTok and other high-reach, high-impact social media, we as comedians have tools we never dreamed of. 'And in this watershed moment in history as far as conversations on race and colonialism globally and in SA, and the influence of the billionaire class turning even Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa into puppets of sorts, the question of power, and in particular 'Puppet Power' has never been more relevant.' He was then asked about what he enjoyed most about leveraging the power of laughter to offset the heaviness of real life. He said: 'South Africans have survived the unimaginable, and having an opportunity to poke fun at the systems that made that happen, to say what many would like to say, via jokes, is a privilege I both do not take lightly and also approach with extreme silliness. 'The reaction and support Chester and I get from ordinary South Africans is incredible and deeply appreciated.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Chester Missing and Conrad Koch bring back the funny. Image: Supplied He confessed that he never envisioned Chester achieving such widespread acclaim when he first brought him to life. 'Never in a million years did I imagine I'd have a puppet who would be allowed to interview an actual president. It's nuts,' he laughed. As for the new puppets he will be unleashing in his new show, he shared: 'I am super excited for audiences to meet the new characters in this show. I have a celebrity chef rat who used to cook for Donald Trump. He's delightful and new. "My high school teacher, Mr Dixon, is easily Chester's match for comedy clout on stage, although, with Chester's huge social media presence, it may take a while to catch up. Don't tell the puppets I said that.' When asked about the '99% silliness with a dash of satirical truth' in his press release, he explained: 'In the past, my shows were very political, with the likes of Pieter-Dirk Uys shaping my vision. "These days, I have made the shows far more accessible - your 12-year-old will love the show, while still saying what needs to be said about South Africa and global affairs. 'We go from nailing these fake Afrikaner refugees to turning someone in the audience into a talking dinosaur, and more. South Africans want to laugh. So laughter is what they will get.' Having kicked off his tour in a few smaller rooms in Cape Town, Koch also recently received a Standard Bank Ovation Award for it at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Where: Pieter Torien Theatre, Montecasino When: July 10 to 13. His upcoming tour dates include: Cape Town (Strand): The Drama Factory, July 24 - 25. George: George Arts Theatre, August 8 Prince Albert: The Showroom Theatre, August 9 Noordhoek: Café Roux, August 15 Durban: Rhumbelow Durban Umbilo12, September 14 Rhumbelow: Northlands, September 19 - 20 Howick: The Old Mushroom Farm, September 11 East London: Legends Exclusive Venue, October 2 Gqeberha: Southern Sun, The Marine, October 3 St Francis Bay: St Francis Bay Brewing Company, October 5
News24
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Conrad Koch brings the ‘Puppet Power' with hilarious new show
In the queue to one of Conrad Koch's sold-out shows at the National Arts Festival were audience members, young and old. With his new show, Puppet Power, the comedian and puppeteer's routine walks a fine line between mature political commentary and rapid-fire puns. While the adults in the audience might get big laughs from Koch's main puppet, Chester Missing's political riffs, the younger people might have more appreciation for characters like Gunter the mosquito or Hilton the ostrich (who's also a bit of a bully). There's basically something for everyone in the show, and Koch makes sure the audience feels involved by making the show interactive. In this high-energy show, Koch's first puppet segment is with Chester Missing. He hilariously unpacks Cyril Ramaphosa and company's visit to the White House earlier this year and the SA 'refugees' who went to the US upon Donald Trump's invitation. He also goes into the GNU with jokes for several of SA's political parties. The overall point in the first segment is that 'everyone is a puppet,' especially those in power. Everyone is being influenced in some way or bending to someone else's will. After that, the show pivots into more silly territory, with an open mic set by Gunter the mosquito, who delivers puns about being an insect. Koch fires off the jokes almost at a blink-and-you'll-miss-it rate. He also brings out his other beloved character, the Afrikaans teacher Mr Dixon, who is one of the show's highlights. Towards the end, Koch has a funny segment with DJ Hoodie, where all the punchlines are excerpts from various pop songs. He ends the show by calling up a member of the audience and putting a dinosaur costume on them, turning them into a puppet, too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Conrad Koch (@theconradkoch) Puppet Power provides a solid hour of entertainment and genuine laughs, mostly hitting all the right notes. Koch says that with Puppet Power, he is aiming for a particular type of tone. 'What I mean by that is that it's fun, it's family accessible, it's politically progressive, but not shouty about it. So, everyone can come and enjoy the show, but there's a particular politics coming out of it,' he says. 'The core factor is having fun and creating a shared space where South Africans can laugh together,' Koch adds. 'The concept of Puppet Power is that we have the power to push back against the fact that we are being controlled by the media, by social media influencers, etc.' In terms of making the show more fun for families, Koch says: 'I want parents to be able to bring their 12-year-old to the show. They won't get the political jokes, some will, but they generally won't, but they'll enjoy the rest of the show.' 'There are dad jokes, there are characters, someone's parent is going to become a dinosaur. Creating that fun environment is something I am aiming to do.'
Time Out
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Conrad Koch in Puppet Power
South Africa's double Emmy-nominated ventriloquist Conrad Koch is back on stage – and yes, Chester Missing will be there too. Alongside the sharp-tongued puppet, audiences can expect a few new characters, including a rat who thinks he's a celebrity chef (meet Gordon Ratsy), DJ Hoodie and Mr Dixon, among others. Running for four nights at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino (10-13 July), the show dives into everything from global politics and celebrity nonsense to the chaos of social media and the everyday absurdities of life in South Africa.
The South African
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Chester Missing mocks Afrikaner refugees: ‘Bye, bye!'
Chester Missing has mocked Afrikaner 'refugees' heading to the US. Images via X: @chestermissingf/ Canva Mzansi's cheekiest puppet, Chester Missing, has come out to criticise Afrikaner 'refugees' who plan to take up residence in the US. This comes amid news that over 50 white South Africans are set to depart to America under US President Donald Trump's resettlement programme. In February, the president signed an Executive Order granting asylum to the minority community over his belief that they are being 'racially discriminated against'. His claims have been condemned as 'misinformation' by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. CHESTER MISSING MOCKS AFRIKANER 'REFUGEES' In a social media post, Chester Missing responded to reports that the first batch of Afrikaner 'refugees' would be arriving in the US next week. The puppet – who is manned by comedian and ventriloquist Conrad Koch – said: 'Hey America, South Africa here. The first set of white Afrikaner Trump refugees will arrive next week. 'Just a warning: You're not getting our best Afrikaners. You're getting the ones who are so k*k, they couldnt even make it work with Apartheid's help'. In the comments section, some were amused by Chester Missing's quip, while others were not impressed. According to reports, he group would be met by Homeland Security officials at the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. They will then participate in a press conference at the airport and board flights to their various US destinations. DIRCO CONDEMNS RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has condemned US President Trump's resettlement offer to Afrikaner 'refugees'. In a statement on Friday, 9 May, DIRCO stated that 'allegations of discrimination' by white South Africans were 'unfounded'. It stated that police statistics, particularly relating to farm-related crimes, do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. Many Afrikaners have often highlighted this concern. It continued: 'There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. 'Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law. 'It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy. 'A country which has, in fact, suffered true persecution under Apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system.' WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON AFRIKANER REFUGEES? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
