From laughter to liberation: Conrad Koch talks 'Puppet Power' and comedy's role in tough times

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.”

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