Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings Walter, Peanut, Achmed and the gang to PH Live at Planet Hollywood for a handful of Sunday nights a year.
Jeff Dunham is one of the best-known stand-up comedians in the world, and certainly the best-known ventriloquist. He has played Las Vegas for years, but it is no longer a regular residency. He now performs a handful of Sunday evenings a year at PH Live, the large theatre at Planet Hollywood formerly known as the Bakkt Theater.
The current show is Artificial Intelligence, a high-tech update of his act that runs about 90 minutes with no interval. The familiar cast is all there: Walter, the grumpy retiree; Peanut, the hyperactive purple creature; José Jalapeño on a stick; Bubba J, the beer-loving redneck; and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, along with newer characters. The tech theme gives the bits a fresh frame, but the core is unchanged: rapid-fire arguments between Dunham and characters who are always smarter, ruder and funnier than he is.
The show is rated for ages 6 and up, which is younger than many headline comedians, and families do come. Be aware, though, that the humour is still edgy in places: Walter's insults, Bubba J's drinking and Achmed's whole premise are not to everyone's taste. Parents should know what they are booking. Every guest, including children, needs a ticket. Doors open an hour before showtime and you should be seated 15 minutes before the start. Cameras and recording are not allowed, and PH Live is wheelchair accessible.
PH Live is a big room, so seat choice matters more than in the Strip's small showrooms. Lower-level center seats give the best view of the puppets' faces, and screens help further back. Tickets have been listed from about $78, with VIP options above that. If you miss the dates, Piff the Magic Dragon at Flamingo is the closest nightly alternative for comedy with a non-human sidekick.
What to expect
The experience
A 90-minute ventriloquist comedy show with no interval, using a tech-themed framing called Artificial Intelligence. Dunham does short stand-up, then works through his characters one by one, with video and staging effects.
Best time
Dates are limited, so book as soon as one that suits you is announced.
How long
About 90 minutes.
Tips
Walter, Peanut, José Jalapeño, Bubba J and Achmed the Dead Terrorist all appear, along with newer creations. Most fans have a favourite, and the biggest laughs usually go to Walter and Peanut. Dunham plays PH Live only a few Sundays a year, so dates are limited and sell quickly. Check the calendar for the next announced date. Rated for ages 6 and up and popular with families, but the humour has an edge, with insults, drinking jokes and Achmed's dark premise. Teens usually love it; parents of younger kids should know the material. PH Live (formerly the Bakkt Theater) is a large theatre inside Planet Hollywood. Doors open 60 minutes before the show, and you should be seated 15 minutes ahead. Every guest needs a ticket, regardless of age. Dates are limited each year, so the rarity is the main reason to book as soon as a date that suits you appears. If the dates do not fit, Piff the Magic Dragon at Flamingo plays most nights and has a similar double-act humour.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fans who have watched his specials and want to see the characters live while dates last.
- Families
- Fine for teens and older kids who know the characters. Think twice for under-10s, given the edgier bits.
- Couples
- Fun for adults who know the characters; the humor has an edge.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with Piff the Magic Dragon and Chippendales.
- Time needed
- About 90 minutes.
Good questions
How often does Jeff Dunham perform in Las Vegas?+
Only on a few Sundays a year at PH Live, so check the calendar for the next announced date.
Where does Jeff Dunham perform in Las Vegas?+
At PH Live (formerly the Bakkt Theater) inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, on the center Strip.
What is the age limit for Jeff Dunham?+
The show is rated for ages 6 and up, and every guest needs a ticket. Some material is edgy, so parents of younger children should know what to expect.
How long is the show?+
About 90 minutes with no interval.
Which characters appear?+
The current Artificial Intelligence show features Walter, Peanut, José Jalapeño, Bubba J and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, plus newer characters.
