Thrilled to Join the Motown Magic at Haven Seal Bay!

As a performer, there are certain gigs that you look forward to more than others—those moments when the stars align, and you’re surrounded by incredible talent, a fantastic audience, and an unforgettable atmosphere. That’s exactly why I was over the moon to perform my comedy mind reading and magic show at Haven Seal Bay as part of their Motown Weekender!

This wasn’t just any weekender; it was a celebration of soulful grooves and timeless classics, and I had the incredible honour of sharing the stage with Heatwave—yes, the legendary band behind iconic hits like Boogie Nights and Always and Forever. For me, Heatwave’s music has always been a source of inspiration, and performing alongside them felt like a dream come true.

But that’s not all—I also rubbed shoulders (or more accurately, sharing a dressing room!) with Tina Turner herself. Okay, maybe not the real Tina, but a top-notch Tina Turner tribute artist who embodies all the energy, passion, and vocal power of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Sharing a space with someone who channelled Tina’s legendary spirit was just as electrifying! Plus she made a mean pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup as she’d recently celebrated Thanks giving.

Why This Gig was Special

For me, Haven Seal Bay isn’t just a venue; it’s a hub of happiness where families, friends, and music lovers gather for unforgettable experiences. There’s something magical about performing for an audience that’s ready to have fun and make memories.

My comedy mind reading and magic show thrives on interaction, laughter, and those “how did he do that?!” moments. Whether it’s revealing someone’s innermost thoughts (in the funniest way possible) or creating impossible magic, my goal is to leave the crowd buzzing with excitement. And when it was set against the backdrop of a Motown Weekender? That’s a vibe you just can’t beat!

A Weekend to Remember

This weekend wasn’t just about my performance—it was about the incredible lineup of Motown-inspired entertainment. Heatwave, the Tina Turner tribute, and other fantastic acts are coming together to create a soulful celebration packed with nostalgia, rhythm, and good vibes.

I was thrilled to be part of it, to share laughs and amazement with the audience, and to soak up the energy of this incredible event. If you were at Haven Seal Bay for the Motown Weekender, you would have been set for a weekend full of soulful music, magical moments, and plenty of laughs. If you weren’t there, you missed something special!

Catch Jason Simmons live!
Stay updated on my upcoming shows at jasonsimmons.co.uk and follow me on social media for behind-the-scenes magic and mind-reading fun! 

UK Hypnosis Convention 2024

I recently had the pleasure of being asked to return to the UK Hypnosis Convention for 2024 to present a talk on one of my favourite subjects… Presenting!!

This was my second year of being a presenter at the UK hypnosis convention and I was delighted to be chosen to also perform my comedy mind-reading act at the prestigious Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. 

The UK hypnosis convention has been running since 2016 and is a wonderful celebration of the art of hypnosis and an opportunity for therapeutic practitioners, performers and enthusiasts to meet up, share ideas and learn about the advancements in the world of hypnosis. 

I’ve personally attended the convention almost every year since it’s inception by my good friend Nick Ebdon. 

Nick, handed the reigns over to Adam Eason some years ago and year on year the convention continues to grow, improve and develop, there are many volunteers who assist in the background and whom are the unsung heroes of the convention helping the 3 rooms and many events to run like a well-oiled machine. 

I especially love meeting colleagues from around the world who make the annual pilgrimage to the Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow to be present – many of which I now consider close friends. 

 

This year, I delivered my presentation: The Art of Authenticity – 5 Steps to selling yourself with Integrity in the Waterloo room on Friday afternoon. 

Over the course of my career in hypnosis, magic and comedy I have striven to be authentic both on and off stage and I highly regard integrity in the delivery of my act. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people who were in attendance for my presentation – particularly when they could have chosen to attend one of my esteemed colleagues talks instead. 

At this year’s convention, they decided to provide entertainment after the gala dinner on the Saturday night and I was excited, yet apprehensive to be asked to perform at the event. Especially as I was entertaining a room full of over 300 people, many of which I admire and that I was also billed alongside the brilliant performers Anthony Jacquin and Amy Scharlau. 

My act is often regarded as – Columbo meets Derren Brown and on Saturday night I could fill the anticipation building within me. 

I delivered a high energy, interactive, engaging and entertaining comedy mind-reading act. 

I was amazed at how well the act was received by the audience and I was surprised and delighted by the amount of people that came to find me after the event and into the next day to say how much they had enjoyed my act. 

The Gala dinner went on well into the evening and some of the following morning too. Sunday proved to be just as interesting as the previous 2 days and I was sad to see the curtains come down on the hypnosis convention for 2024. 

However, Adam did not disappoint and closed the hypnosis convention with a very exciting update regarding next years special guest speaker who is none other than PAUL MCKENNA!! 

I’m already looking forward to 2025 and what lies ahead for both my act and the UK Hypnosis convention. 

If you’re interested in hypnosis be it performance, therapy or just an interest I’d thoroughly recommend attending in 2025. If you do… Come and say hi 🙂

Thrilled to Be Interviewed by Cene Magazine – A Memorable Conversation on – Magic, Hypnosis & Performing

I’m beyond excited to share that I had the honour of being interviewed by my good friend and long-time comedy comrade Zahra Barrie of Cene Magazine for their latest feature.

I couldn’t be more thrilled about how the article turned out!  It’s truly a privilege to have been given the chance to sit down and discuss my journey, thoughts, and experiences with such a prestigious platform.

In the feature, which you can read in full here, we dive deep into a range of topics that have shaped my career and perspective. From my early influences to the challenges and triumphs that have defined my path, it was an opportunity to reflect on everything that has brought me to this point.

Highlights from the Interview:

The article covers a lot of ground, and I’m incredibly grateful to Cene Magazine for taking the time to ask thoughtful questions that really helped me reflect on my own experiences. Some of the key topics we discussed include:

  1. The Passion Behind My Work
    One of the most exciting parts of the interview was talking about my passion for performing, in particular comedy, magic and hypnosis. The article really captures the essence of why I do what I do, and it’s a reminder of how much love and dedication go into every project I take on.

  2. Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
    We also explored some of the obstacles I’ve faced along the way. No journey is without its challenges, but looking back, I’m proud of how I’ve managed to push through tough times, adapt, and ultimately succeed.

  3. Advice for Aspiring Performers
    I had the opportunity to offer advice to anyone looking to break into hypnosis and magic. It’s something I’m passionate about — helping others navigate their own careers and find their voice in a crowded field.

  4. Looking Ahead
    We also touched on my future goals and aspirations. While the past has been full of learning experiences, I’m excited about what’s to come and where my journey will take me next. This feature was the perfect opportunity to share some of my upcoming projects and plans with the world.

Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to share my story with Cene Magazine and their readers. Zahra made me feel comfortable and welcomed throughout the interview process, and I think that comes through in the final article. It’s humbling to see my thoughts and ideas presented alongside so many incredible people and projects in the creative world.

Thank you so much to Cene Magazine for the feature, and for all of the wonderful feedback I’ve received since the article was published. If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out and let me know what you think! I’m always excited to connect with others who share similar interests and passions.

Until next time!

Performing a Comedy Magic Show for the First Time Overseas at the Holiday Village, Dalaman, Turkey

There’s something exhilarating about stepping onto a stage in a foreign country, knowing you’re about to entertain an audience with a mix of wonder and laughter. As a performer, this was exactly how I felt when I was booked to perform my comedy magic show at the Holiday Village in Dalaman, Turkey. It was my first international performance, and I was both excited and nervous about the experience. Here’s a little insight into what it was like and the unique challenges and rewards of performing overseas for the first time.

The Setting: Holiday Village, Dalaman

Dalaman, located on the southwest coast of Turkey, is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and welcoming atmosphere. The Holiday Village itself is a bustling resort, catering to families, couples, and tourists from all over the world. It’s a place where guests come to relax, unwind, and be entertained, so the pressure was on to make sure my comedy magic show stood out in a place where entertainment is king.

The venue was a large outdoor amphitheatre, with people from various countries – many of them English-speaking, but with guests from all corners of Europe and beyond. This presented a unique challenge for me as a performer who typically works within the United Kingdom. In this case, I had to adjust my usual routine to ensure that my humour and magic translated well to an international crowd.

The Magic and the Comedy: Finding the Balance

Comedy magic is a delicate balance. The magic has to be good enough to wow the audience, and the comedy has to flow naturally within the routine. On top of that, the reactions of the crowd can vary greatly from one culture to another. I found that in Turkey, audiences were incredibly warm, and laughter was often louder than I expected, which gave me an added boost of confidence.

I decided to integrate more interactive magic into the show, where I could involve the audience directly. This allowed me to not only perform impressive tricks but also engage with the audience, making the show feel more personal. I had people from all over the world on stage with me, and seeing them react to the magic in real-time was priceless. There were moments of pure wonder when a spectator couldn’t figure out how I performed a trick, followed by contagious laughter when I threw in a well-timed joke or silly pun. The mix of comedy and astonishment kept everyone entertained, and that was my goal.

Technical Challenges: A New Environment

Every venue has its quirks, but when you’re performing overseas for the first time, there are added layers of complexity. From sound systems and lighting to props and stage setup, it’s essential to adapt quickly to the local infrastructure. I had to make sure my equipment and props arrived safely, which is no small task when you’re traveling internationally.

The Reward: A Memorable Experience

Performing a comedy magic show in Dalaman was an unforgettable experience, and it gave me a new appreciation for the global nature of entertainment. Despite the challenges, I left the stage feeling accomplished and energised by the positive reactions of the audience. I realised that magic, humour, and wonder can transcend borders, and cultures, making it one of the most universal art forms.

The feedback from the guests was overwhelmingly positive, and I even received some spontaneous applause during the show, which is always a sign that you’re connecting with the crowd. It was rewarding to see families, couples, and solo travelers – all from different countries – come together to enjoy the performance. I also felt like a celebrity around the pool the next day and I even had someone shout my name whilst I walking through the local town!!

Looking back on it now, my first comedy magic show overseas at the Holiday Village in Dalaman was a fantastic learning experience. It taught me how to adapt my performances to different audiences, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the joy of sharing laughter with people from around the world. I’m already looking forward to my next international performance – and who knows where magic will take me next?

If you’re a performer planning to take your show overseas, my advice is simple: stay adaptable, be sensitive to cultural nuances, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride. The world is full of magic and humour, and there’s no better way to experience it than by sharing it with others on stage.

10 Tips for a Successful Street Hypnosis

As you begin to venture into the wonderful world of hypnosis you may wish to start testing out some techniques or inductions? You may have tried things out with your family and now you’re looking for something more challenging.

Street hypnosis is a great way of testing yourself and can be quite daunting at first however, with the tips from our experience below we’re sure you’ll be finding out what a brilliant experience the street can be. 

1. Location, Location, Location!!

Choose your location wisely. If people are moving from place to place they’re probably not going to be interested in participating in hypnosis (Their loss). In our experience we’ve found the best places to find willing subjects are often where people are relaxing. Personally, I find bars or smoking areas during the evening and parks if the weather is nice during the day. People are often settled and they’re more likely to participate and enhance their evening. 

2. Be prepared for rejection 

Rejection is part of being a performer. To steal a phrase from the famous Bob Burns; Some will, some won’t, so what? OK Bob uses this in the context of therapy however, some people will be interested, some won’t and at the end of the day so what? If you get rejected at one table or place, just move on and find someone else. 

Remember to always be polite if someone refuses because you never know they may not refuse the next time. 

3. If you build it, they will come

We’ve always found it helps to build an interest when out performing. If you can, take someone with you and start working with them initially. Hypnosis is an interesting spectacle and people will be interested when they see you sticking someones hand to their head or make someone forget their name. 

When we’ve been out performing on the street we’ve nearly always had someone come up to me after watching me hypnotise someone else and ask; ‘Can you hypnotise me?’ Before long you’ll have them queuing up to be hypnotised. 

4. Have another trick up your sleeve

It helps to have a magic trick or something similar that you’re ready to pull out and I’ve found that for me at least, magic can be a real ice breaker that sets them up to be hypnotised. It especially helps with the sceptical ones who believe that they can’t be hypnotised. 

It can be quite funny when you demonstrate influence under the guise of mind reading or mentalism and having a couple of tricks can also aid in giving you an ‘out’ in cases where the hypnosis may not land. 

5. Develop your elevator speech

Some studies suggest that people make an impression of you as a person within the first 7 seconds of meeting them. Whilst I don’t believe this to be completely true it’s definitely something that’s worth considering when you’re performing street hypnosis. 

Imagine if you were out enjoying an evening and some ‘random’ came up and asked whether you wanted to be hypnotised? Put yourself in the shoes of the customer and then you’ll get an idea of what to say. 

Anthony Jacquin has a brilliant approach in his book ‘reality is plastic’ I’m not going to describe that approach here but, I’ll let you know that I use a variation of this approach in street settings and it nearly never fails. 

6. Ask Questions

People often have misconceptions or fears about hypnosis. Much in the same way that people won’t sit in the front row of a comedy show because they’ve seen a TV show from the 80’s where the front row were picked on, it can be similar for hypnosis. 

Some people believe you can get stuck in it, or that they’ll be turned into a chicken. We’ve had some really bizarre responses from people when we’ve asked them about hypnosis. 

This can make or break getting a subject sometimes and it gives you the performer the opportunity to remove any fears. 

7. Fake it until you make it 

You’ll often hear this phrase used in performance and it’s definitely true. If you’ve never walked up to someone and hypnotised them before it can be very daunting and you may feel a lack of confidence. In the early days I found it useful to tell myself that I was the hypnotist and that I was going to hypnotise someone no matter what. 

8. Something called a phenomena

All phenomena is good! Getting someone to bring their fingers together as part of a suggestion test can be just as astounding as sticking someone’s hand to the table or making them forget their name. 

Don’t be disheartened if that’s all that they experience as most people will be astounded by that. 

9. Be professional at all times

Remain professional as people will remember this even if you are only performing for fun. Remain polite and really fly the flag for hypnosis as you’re representing hypnosis as a whole when you’re out.

We’d strongly recommend that you consider carrying business cards with you at least when you’re out performing if not at all times. This will direct people towards your social media profiles and you may even get clients from this in either a stage or therapeutic setting. 

We always wear branded clothing when out performing street hypnosis as it builds interest whilst at the same time subtly advertises your brand. 

As a comedian I performed at an awfully run charity gig with poor lighting and sound however, I remained professional and did my time. A few days later I received a booking for a corporate client that was at that show and who happened to enjoy my act. Had I not remained professional I may not have had that opportunity. 

10. Get together

Hypnosis can seem like a lonely road sometimes and I found this to be true when I first became interested in hypnosis in 2005. If you can get together with a group of like minded people and arrange to go out and have fun.

Remember the success of a night isn’t measured by how many people you’ve hypnotised it’s the connections you make whilst you’re out. Sometimes, it can be just as fun to run queries by your peers and it can be more relaxed than typing on a forum. 

Why not arrange a group in your area? 

Myself and Ellis have set up monthly meetings in London that have attracted both veterans and newbies to the world of hypnosis. If you’re London based you’re welcome to join us on a future date just check out the events on the mapping minds page on Facebook. 

#SteetHypnosis #Hypnosis #Tips #Training #Fun

5 Tips to overcome a bad gig

Being a performer can be an exhilarating experience, it can also be a roller coaster of emotions where one day you’re riding on the crest of a wave and the next gig, you feel like you’re sinking.

Over the past decade I’ve experienced both the former and the latter however, overcoming a bad gig can be extremely difficult and being able to ride out the storm is what makes successful performer. Here are 5 tips that I use to overcome bad experiences:

Have a good support network

It’s important to have people around you, who you can trust and who have your back. I’m lucky to have a supportive partner and children that are there to offer words of encouragement and comfort particularly when it’s needed most. I also have several other acts who I can contact and have a good debrief with following a flat performance. 

I can’t stress how important it is to have a good support network around you. A problem shared is a problem halved. 

It might not be as bad as you think 

I’ve had a few gigs where I’ve come off stage thinking that I’d been awful. I’ve then had members of the audience come to find me to tell me how much they enjoyed my performance. One gig in particular was at a Working Men’s club, I finished my set and hid behind the DJ booth before realising I’d have to face the music to collect my fee. 

As I was standing at the bar, I had several members of the audience approach me to tell me how good they thought the show was. 

We’re all guilty of being our own worst critic, thinking we could have done better or perhaps we’re not up to it.

Always have something  else in the diary

It’s important to have a number of gigs in the diary even as a new performer. Having other commitments have in the past, been the sole reason I’ve kept on performing. My worst ‘death’ was at a large chain of comedy clubs where I left the venue after 2 horrific gigs thinking ‘Maybe this isn’t for me?’ I remember on the car journey home thinking ‘I’ll see out the gigs I have left in the diary and then I’ll call it a day. 

By the time the next gig came around the death was a distant memory. 

Sometimes it’s not you

Remember, sometimes it’s not you… It’s them!! In all seriousness, there could be a multitude of reasons why the performance doesn’t meet up to your expectations. The venue may not be right, the audience might not be on your wave length or there could be technical issues that affected your performance (dodgy microphone comes to mind). 

Don’t Dwell on it

It’s easier said than done but, try not to dwell on it. Many comics are aware of Millican’s law and I also follow this rule. Comedian Sarah Millican famously either celebrates a good gig or allows herself to dwell on a bad gig until 11am the day after the performance, following which it’s done and she’s over it. The next time you experience a bad gig or a good gig, try this technique you’ll be surprised at how effective it is. 

I hope you found this blog useful, feel free to get in contact if you have any topics you’d like me to cover. 

Jason Simmons is a Hypnotist, Comedian and Magician and has been performing for more than a decade. 

Setting Up A Stage Hypnosis Show

Stage hypnotism is a great way of promoting your business and above all else it can be a really fun way of demonstrating hypnotic phenomena. It’s also a great form of alternative entertainment and most of the venues we’ve approached have been interested in putting a night on.

Here I share some of the things that you may need to set up a hypnosis show.

Venue

If you’re just starting out and you’re looking to perform your first show, finding a good venue is key to having a good show. It helps if the hypnosis show is in a separate room because the venue owner (or you) can sell tickets to the event and the people that attend have invested in the night so they are less likely to heckle or be obstructive however, it’s not a deal breaker if it’s not. 

I’d recommend finding a venue that has good transport links and preferably one that has a decent customer base to begin with because it will make it easier for you or the owner to sell tickets to the night. Other bonuses would be a decent stage, lighting and sound system provided by the venue but, these aren’t always available. 

If you’ve been performing for some time you may be asked to perform either by an agency or by the venue itself. 

Of course, if you’re booked to perform at a venue you have little choice as to whether it’s a good venue however, you can do all you can to set up the night so that it has the best chance of going well. 

Get to the venue early so that you can set up the evening and talk to the staff/punters. You can already be building an interest in the show and finding out who is likely volunteer. 

Some performers that are booked in this way don’t see setting up the venue as being part of their job. We believe that you’re paid to put on a show and it’s your job to put yourself in a position where the show can go as well as possible. From my years as a comic I’ve in the past, switched chairs around in the room and set lighting in a different position which has made a room that may have been difficult, playable. 

Remember no matter how crap the sound was or, whether there was a wall blocking the view to the stage that could have been avoided by switching your position in the audiences eyes the performer is always seen as the failure. 

Having a good night at a venue also means that you’re more likely to get repeat bookings or bookings for other shows because you never know who’s sitting in the audience so why wouldn’t you want to give yourself a chance? 

I remember doing an awful charity gig a couple of years back only to be contacted by someone in charge of corporate events at the MK Dons a few days later who’d been sitting in that audience. My advice is always bring your A-game. 

Advertise, advertise, advertise

If you’re running your own night it’s important that you advertise your night. A night with no punters isn’t a night. At the very least you should get some posters designed and printed and drop them off at the venue. A3 and A4 are OK and something that’s going to draw people’s attention in. Below is a poster we used to use for our shows which had a blank space at the bottom that could be adjusted for each venue. This meant that we didn’t need to keep paying for the poster to be altered however, if you’re handy with photoshop you may be able to create your own. 

Other places to advertise that are free are listings in your local papers, skiddle, evensi & Facebook events and if you have a website you could also add events to that to let your fans know when you’re next performing near them.

You could also contact the editor of the events section in your local paper because they’re often looking to fill the space and you have the added advantage of offering a different form of entertainment. 

When I used to run a comedy night I employed the above method and I used to get a full page spread in the local paper by offering an interview with the head liner. It was a great bit of advertising for the club at no cost whatsoever. 

If it’s your own night that you’re running you could also place advertisements in local shops in exchange for some free tickets. 

Another great way of promoting your night is to get out and perform some street hypnosis either in the venue you’re going to be performing in or some other venues nearby, if you get some phenomena going in one place it definitely builds interest which may turn into punters on the night. 

Equipment

So you’ve set up your venue or you have a show booked and it’s advertised but you don’t have any equipment. Some performers believe that the equipment should be provided by the venue which to an extent is true however, it’s not always workable. 

I like to think of a performer with no equipment being similar to a plumber turning up to your house without tools. I’m also of the opinion that if you need it, you should bring it. This again came from my years performing as a musical comic. There were countless times that I arrived at a venue after asking whether they had a PA system only to find that they either didn’t have one or that they had one that sounded terrible. 

I decided from then on that I’d always carry some equipment with me because even if I didn’t need it, it was always there ‘just in case.’ Also, rightly or wrongly, I got more opportunities as a comic when promoters found out that I had my own PA system because it was one less thing they had to worry about and I would get an increased fee for providing it. It probably also meant that the promoter was able to offer gigs to venues that otherwise may not have been interested. 

The added advantage of offering a PA system is that you can charge this out to the potential venue as an optional extra. 

Below is a list of the equipment that we’d recommend having if you’re thinking of performing stage hypnosis. 

1. A quality PA system suitable for small to medium sized rooms, comprising of 2 speakers, a mixer and all the leads to connect it up. 

2. A good quality wireless microphone.

3. Speaker stands.

4. Extension leads (you don’t want to have the above only to arrive at the venue and find out the nearest socket is 50ft away). 

5. A couple of PAR Lighting cans (You could be the best hypnotist in the world but, it’s pointless if they’re unable to see your act). 

PA System 

I have a couple of PA systems that I use, which can be linked up to get a bigger sound. An active system (speakers with the amp built into them) is a good versatile system to start you off. I personally use TIBO 500W Active speakers which have 12″ sub woofers in them and they do pack a punch. 

The pair I have are similar to the one pictured and they have a number of outputs on the back including line in, line out, microphone in, SD card slot and a USB slot. 

There are even PA systems on the market now that have wireless connectivity, I’ve not used them personally so I can’t really comment here. 

You may also wish to invest in a mixer for your PA system. That way you can connect multiple outlets in one place and have your speakers running from it as well. I have one similar to the one pictured. I can connect my microphone to it as well as any sound I may be running for skits/ pre-show and I can adjust the levels on each input and control the overall sound via the master controller. 

I’d also recommend getting a good set of speaker stands. You can pick a decent pair up for about £30.00. Speaker stands help to project the sound out into the audience. As a general rule of thumb you want to set the stands so that the speakers are level with the heads of the audience to project the sound over them. 

Spend what you can on your PA system. I paid about £500 for my speakers and mixer back in 2008 and I’ve used them for one thing or another almost every weekend for the last 7 years. Aside from a couple of damaged knobs they’ve been really reliable and a good PA system will serve you well. 

Microphone

The microphone is probably one of the most important purchases you’ll make. A poor quality microphone can make a good show bad. I’d invest in either a decent quality handheld microphone, a headset microphone or both. 

I’ve used microphones that have suffered drop outs or interference like the one in this routine by Norman Collier. Although this was deliberate and very funny in this case it’s a horrible thing to deal with mid show when you’re not expecting it. 

A good quality hand held microphone will be good to get you started. I purchased an ALTO radius 100 when I started performing stage hypnosis. It’s a great quality microphone for around £150.00 (pictured below).

 Lighting

Having good lighting can also improve the quality of your show. Although it’s not necessary I’d invest in a couple of good LED par cans and a lighting tripod. There’s nothing worse than having a great show that no one was able to see. 

Remember if you provide your equipment to a venue it should be PAT tested and it’s also a good idea to carry a risk assessment and method statement. If you’d like guidance on this I can provide you with a template or you can download one from the internet. I’ve been asked whether I have the aforementioned but, I’ve never actually been asked to see sight of it. Having said that it’s like insurance you never need it until something goes wrong. 

Insurance

Leading me onto my next point, insurance. It’s a good idea to have public liability insurance and in particular a policy that covers stage hypnosis. It may be something that you never need to call upon however, it’s better to have it and not need it than to not have it at all. 

You can get cover from Equity, Blackfriars and I believe F.E.S.H. With Equity you get the added bonus of being part of their union which protects performers from venues and can be useful if you find yourself in a position where you’ve not been paid for a show. 

Shop around for insurance policies that meet your needs and check the rules in your area as they may differ. 

1952 Hypnotism Act

There is an act that regulates demonstrations of hypnotism in the UK. This varies from place to place, some councils require a permit for a performance of hypnosis and others charge a fee to cover a hypnosis performance so it’s worth baring this in mind when you’re planning on putting on a show and perhaps factoring this cost into the cost of your show. 

The act is very antiquated and hasn’t been updated since 1952. During that time there has been a lot of research around the subject of hypnosis and I’d like to think that our knowledge of the subject of hypnosis has moved on somewhat since the act was introduced. 

You can view the act on the government website here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6and1Eliz2/15-16/46

There are certain settings where the hypnotism act doesn’t apply, feel free to contact us for further information regarding applications of this act. 

It’s Showtime!

I’ll be discussing the content of a show and building a show in a separate blog post and we’ll be including the template that we use in our shows to help you build an entertaining and exciting show.