Hypnosis FAQ

Hypnotism is a mysterious and wonderful art. It is highly misunderstood and unknown. So when completing this website we decided to hand you over to the expert. Below you will hear Robert's answers to some of the most regularly asked questions about hypnotism and about his performances

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1. Is Hypnosis Dangerous?
No. The answer is as short and direct as that. No, hypnosis is not dangerous. It is a perfectly natural state of mind. People are sometimes afraid that may be they won't wake up or will be left mentally scarred and affected. The truth is that hypnosis is really just a deep sleep.

Sometimes people are enjoying hypnosis that much that they just end up drifting into ordinary sleep. When hypnotised you are still fully concious of everything that goes on around you and you cannot be made to do or say anything that would contradict your everyday morals and beliefs.

2. Is Hypnotism Real?
Ah, the question I am most often asked as a hypnotist. The answer is simply yes. Hypnosis is a very real and incredible force yet it is completely natural and not something to fear.

It is a completely natural state of mind. It amazes when audience members ask me whether hypnosis is real. I arrive at a venue ready to perform my show. I set up and then disappear outside of away from sight. I never see or speak to audience members before the show yet somehow people still believe that it must be some kind of set up. I just don't get it!

3. What Does It Feel Like To Be Hypnotised?
Incredible. Everybody experiences it slightly differently although nearly everyones description has the same characteristics. It is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. Some people say that it is like you are floating and that nothing matters anymore. Most people in the world have experienced hypnosis at some time or other, without even realising it. Have you ever become so engrossed in a book or a film that you completely lose track of where you are in reality and for those few moments you are completely overcome by your imagination? If so then that is a very light form of hypnosis.

This means that if you are just in a very light state of trance then it can feel no different to when you "get into" a good book. However as you enter the deeper trance that I put you into for the stage show then it can feel quite euphoric or almost like being intoxicated but without any of the side effects. Basically hypnosis is like a doorway to the unconcious mind and via this hypnotic state your memory and imagination is simply enhanced by a long way.

4. Are There Laws About Hypnotism?
Yes, all stage hypnotists have to abide by the 1952 Stage Hypnosis Act. This act was ammended in 1994. The home office recently reviewed the situation and advised that as long as these guidelines and laws are followed then hypnotism is harmless. I professionally adhere strictly to these laws to ensure that my shows are ethical, friendly and very safe.

I can provide a risk analysis of my show should you request it and I have public liability insurance of £5 million through membership of Equity.

5. What Are The Requirements For Booking You?
Essentially all you need to provide is a room and an audience. Ideally we need a minimum of 50 people to ensure the show will work correctly. The show is fully self contained and I bring my own sound (and lighting system if required) which can be made bigger or smaller depending on the size of the room.

When you book me I will take a look around the venue to plan best how I can accommodate your needs. I also need between 6 & 15 chairs from the hall, pub, theatre or venue, preferably all the same and reasonably comfortable. Also as I take bookings up to 2 years in advance it is important that you get your booking in quickly. For last minute bookings, try ringing anyway as I will try as best I can to squeeze you into my schedule.

6. How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book?
Sometimes you can book last minute but in general anywhere between 6 weeks and 18 months in advance. A lot of our work is booked from past clients and therefore is booked over 12 months in advance so that they can avoid disappointment. We do sometimes have last minute cancellations for uncontrollable reasons so please do not hesitate to call us.

7. Do You Add VAT/Travelling/Accommodation Expenses?
No, when you contact us for a quote, the price you get is the full price with no hidden surprises. We do have a number of "add-on" services which will increase the price but they are optional so you will not be charged for anything unexpectedly.

8. Where are you based and how far will Robert travel?
Our main base is in the North East (Newcastle) but I grew up in London and I really find it to be a second home and a second office. We travel across the UK and also abroad to perform at events. No job is too big or small. Recent performances have ranged from Edinburgh and London to Spain and Greece! Wherever your event is we can provide the ultimate magical entertainment solution!

9. How do I hire Robert for my event?
It couldn't be simpler. Just contact us for a quote. Either myself or a member of our team will respond, usually within 24 hours. Once a booking is confirmed for your date/time we will issue a booking contract for your event. This is to protect you and me and will give us both a solid proof of booking.

I can assure you I am not one of the so-called "hypnotists" who will not turn up! 7-10 days before your event I will get in touch personally to double check every detail so you can rest assured.

10. Can anyone be hypnotised?
Virtually everyone in the world can be hypnotised to a certain degree. Not everyone is able to relax deeply enough quickly enough to be of use to a stage hypnotist under bright lights and in front of an audience and some people can relax too deeply. These people enter a "somnambulstic state" and are sometimes so relaxed that they remain unable to access the incredible powers of imagination and perform in a show. These people are both few and far between and very rare.

In the course of a show, I always ask for more volunteers than required and then eliminate those that I can't work with.

11. Do You Use A Swinging Pocket Watch To Hypnotise People?
Aha! The cliche hypnotist with mysterious grey slicked back hair, goatie beard and pocket watch! No I don't, in fact I've never seen a hypnotist who does. We could but it would be very boring and slow to watch. Instead I use some of the fastest, most dramatic and exciting hypnotic inductions on earth. You will hear people gasp as people just drift off instantly!

12. Can hypnosis help me to lose weight/stop smoking etc?
Yes, very effectively. I focus on using hypnotism for comedic purposes on stage but I also see a range of clients in private for a variety of issues from smoking to weight loss and my personal speciality and favourite problem to work with - phobias.

13. How do you learn to be a hypnotist?
I sought hands-on training by a leading hypnotist and this seems to me to be the most effective way. I am available to teach a few select candidates and would only teach one each year.

If you're interested in learning then please feel free to e-mail me directly: robert@comedyhypnosis.co.uk

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If your question remains unanswered then please feel free to get in touch with us. Who knows, we may even add it to the FAQ section!