Puppets pull the strings at George Arts Theatre

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - “This show is very interactive,” the thirteen-year-old boy sitting next to me remarked. “This was fun!”

Conrad Koch’s Chester Got Talent may not have attracted a full house at the George Arts Theatre, but the audience that was there was lively, appreciative and ranged from young children to adults - with some even travelling from Mossel Bay to attend.

PHOTO GALLERY - Puppetry takes centre stage in Conrad Koch’s Chester’s Got Talent

The production recently received a Gold Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda - one of only two productions to receive the honour from more than 240 shows presented at the festival.

And interactive it certainly was. When locals were brought onto the stage, their faces transformed into puppets in Koch’s hands.

The man sitting on my other side could barely contain his laughter as these unsuspecting “characters” produced the most ridiculous noises - all through Koch’s mouth - while playing along without so much as a flinch. I guess you had to be there.

Speaking to Derrick Lottering and his wife, Yolanda, after the show, it was clear they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Both singled out the ostrich character, Hilton, as a favourite.

I did, however, overhear someone complain about the way Koch treated Hilton on stage, saying they did not like the way the character was ultimately “disassembled”.

“I mean, I really liked him,” they said.

Say no more. We loved the show - the characters, Koch’s quick wit and, above all, the puppets.

Nontando Khupe from Mossel Bay, Kylé Allers, Chester Missing (puppet), Conrad Koch, Derrick and Yolanda Lottering. Photo: Michelle Pienaar