Chester Missing on life inside Conrad Koch’s suitcase

Conrad Koch may be the puppeteer behind Chester Missing, but questions remain about who truly holds the reins. The puppet and his assistant are set to take the stage at Joburg's Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from October 1st to 4th, as part of Chester's Got Talent. Fresh off a Gold Ovation Award win, the talent competition takes a unique turn with puppets taking center stage. Chester will share the limelight with Gunter the German Mosquito, aspiring singer Hilton the Ostrich, and other human-turned-puppets.

Koch's credentials include winning a Comic’s Choice Award for Innovation in Comedy this year. However, Missing believes the true boss may be the puppet himself. In a shocking revelation, Missing claims Conrad keeps him locked away in a suitcase, a claim he's reported to the police but met with disbelief. Despite being the puppeteer, Missing is suspicious of Conrad's financial dealings, suggesting he may be exploiting him for years, claiming ownership of all his earnings.

Missing's frustration is palpable: "His hand is not just in my career, it's in my Gqeberha. Everyone gives HIM the credit for all my hard work. Its very annoying." If Conrad's voice failed mid-performance, Missing jokingly suggests it might mean his own demise, "That is very rude. If Conrad loses his voice technically I am not dead, just speechless."

The ultimate prize for winning Chester's Got Talent remains uncertain for the puppet, with Missing expressing skepticism about any monetary reward, stating "I already know I am the best puppet."