Puppets speak louder than words...

24 Jun 2009

And thankfully a lot less than most politicians I know. Last Thursday night, Ruth and I headed out to the On Broadway theatre to check out the "Koch Up" Puppet show by ventriloquist Conrad Koch.

On arrival we were a bit unnerved to find our reserved table located in the second row from the front of the stage.
Fortunately, as the night progressed, some poor bloke (Whom Conrad would later refer to as Dominee) and three of his lady friends kindly occupied the front most table beside us. A choice he would later, no doubt, deeply regret. On the opposite end of the room, a dude from Obz called Matthew would be forced to face a similar fate. But this bit is far too good to spoil, so I won't mention more.

The show kicked off with Chester, Conrad's rude Capetonian puppet, who tried his damndest to interrupt the proceedings every chance he got. Next up was the horny Ronnie-A green dragon-like puppet with an inflatable piece, and a fondness for woman members of the audience. Third in line was the ever popular Julius Malema. Surprisingly shorter in real life; er puppet-life I mean. He seemed convinced that he was attending a Helen Zille tea party. But all in all, Conrad's Diva puppet, has got to be the star of the show. I'll leave that much, and more, for you to find out for yourself.

The facial expressions of his puppets are frighteningly life-like; I constantly found myself ducking behind my coat whenever one of his puppets stared in my direction. Puppets aside, Conrad proved to have a great onstage charm and appearance.

In my personal opinion this spectacular show would have Pinocchio himself contemplate puppet stardom.

For real 'no-strings-attached' fun, and to learn why the State we're in is in such a Koch Up, check out Conrad's show, laugh your arse off and thank me later.

Koch up runs at On Broadway, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9th to 27th June 2009.

Tickets cost R85 per person. Dinner is served from 18h30, and the show begins at 20h30. Guests only coming for the show need to be seated by 20h00. For bookings please call 021 424 1194 or visit www.onbroadway.co.za. Please note there is an age restriction of 16 years for this show. For further information please visit www.conradkoch.com.