Koch brings his big-mouthed crew of puppets to Alexander Playhouse

FAITH MTWANA

SA’s most popular ventriloquist comedian Conrad Koch and his politically astute puppet, Chester Missing, are bringing their Despicable Hehe comedy show tour to East London’s Alexander Playhouse today.

Missing was a regular on eNCA’s Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, where both Koch and Missing became household names for their sharp-tongued satirical political observations that resulted in Missing becoming the first puppet in national history to be taken to court.

Today’s show in East London will include elements of the scathing political critique the duo is known for combined with Koch’s other reflections on life communicated through his less politically charged cast of puppets.

“This show is going to be a ton of fun. There will be some commentary about the GNU, and election, but mostly it will be hilarious fun.

“Along with Chester, I will also be bringing on stage other puppets such as Vladimir Putin, Gunter the German mosquito who recently divorced his snail wife (and she got to keep the house), as well as Mr Dixon, the school teacher who overexplains all the jokes,” Koch said.

Koch showcased Despicable Hehe at the National Arts Festival 2024, where he received the Standard Bank Ovation Award, which he also won in 2012.

The tour will also see Koch and his puppets travel across the country, visiting Cape Town, St Francis Bay, Gqeberha and Johannesburg, among other places.

Koch has been in the industry for more than 15 years and won the 2010 entertainer of the year award.

He was a nominee for 2014 SA Comic of the Year, and won The Times Comic’s Pen Award for 2014. He is also a two-time International Emmy Award-nominated comedian.

Koch, who is no stranger to East London, said the city had the potential to be a great destination for comedians to visit.

“Big comedians like Tatz Nkonzo and David Kau are always planning big comedy shows. I think it’s important to support the comedians that do come so that more comedians can bring their shows to East London. East London audiences are great, and the city has a rich political history,” Koch said.

He describes his comedy as “light social commentary” for people who know how to take a joke and “ventriloquism for adults”.

Despicable Hehe will be showcased at the Alexander Playhouse on Thursday August 1. Tickets are available on Quicket at R150 per person.

PUPPET MASTER: Conrad Koch is bringing his award-winning comedy show ‘Despicable Hehe’ to Alexander Playhouse on Thursday August 1. Koch will take the stage with some of his most popular puppets including Chester Missing, Gunter the German mosquito and Vladimir Putin the vampire. Picture: SUPPLIED

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

CAPTCHA ImageChange Image