More than 70 years ago, a law was implemented to safeguard individuals from the “dark arts.” However, a traditional law prohibiting hypnosis and mesmerism has been revoked by a comedy hypnotist, without actually hypnotizing anyone.
On Saturday, Robert Temple was scheduled to put on his show Red Raw at Bolton’s Albert Halls. This show is known for its improvised comedy with the added element of hypnosis, and was set to entertain a large crowd.
Unfortunately, he found that his show was in violation of the Hypnotism Act of 1952, a longstanding regulation that prohibits the practice of hypnosis in public without prior authorization from the local government. This law covers all forms of hypnosis, mesmerism, and any other techniques that induce a state of sleep or trance, making an individual susceptible to suggestion or direction.
In the years that followed, many councils abolished the law or simply gave superficial consent to hypnotists. However, Temple discovered that Bolton had taken a different stance – implementing a complete prohibition on hypnosis in the 1980s that continued to be enforced, prohibiting him from conducting his performances in the town.
According to Temple, many councils typically have a form available on their website. However, Bolton did not have one, so they reached out to request it. When they received a response, they were informed that there is a blanket ban in place.
Temple had to submit an application to the council’s licensing committee to completely repeal the legislation in order for his show to continue.
After being in the performance industry for two decades, Temple explained, “I discussed my proposal and asked for their approval going forward. I also requested that they review the process promptly so that this is not a one-time event that will never be repeated. This will allow myself and other hypnotists to continue working in this city.”
On Wednesday afternoon, his application consisting of four pages was approved.
At the committee meeting, Sean Fielding, a Labour councillor, proposed a motion to abolish a rule that he deemed as outdated and obscure.
Fielding expressed his desire to not have to convene again to discuss hypnotist performances and instead be able to revise the policy.
Debbie Newall, a fellow member of the Labour party, seconded the proposal. She remarked that there is something quaint and outdated about the fact that in 1952, hypnosis, or mesmerism as it was also called, was seen as a mysterious and potentially dangerous practice that needed strict regulation. However, nowadays, hypnosis is simply a common form of entertainment.
I believe that while this type of legislation is outdated, there is something nostalgic in seeing these old-fashioned laws from my generation.
After achieving his momentous win, Temple, who hails from Sunderland, expressed, “It’s quite a momentous day for us. In the larger picture, it may seem like a small, unimportant, strange little thing, but it’s satisfying to see a rule that has been in place for 40 years finally overturned.”
Temple’s performance combines elements of stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, and improv comedy, making it a diverse and entertaining experience. What sets this show apart is that instead of professional actors, the performers are regular audience members who choose to participate and unleash their creativity on stage.
He went from being a “strange, introverted child” with no athletic abilities to mastering magic tricks. He then transitioned to stage hypnosis, which he has showcased globally, including in London’s West End and Las Vegas.
“I absolutely love touring,” he stated. “My goal is to reintroduce it to a wider audience, just as it was when I first began 20 years ago.”
His performance is currently traveling to different towns and cities in the United Kingdom until the conclusion of March.
What are the risks associated with stage hypnosis?
Although there is a growing acceptance of hypnosis in healthcare, the number of performers has decreased compared to previous years.
The majority of councils do not have issues with stage hypnosis being conducted in their municipalities, as it is viewed as a relatively safe form of entertainment.
In 1996, a government review was released, which included the input of psychology experts and hypnotists. It recommended loosening restrictions on hypnosis, as it was determined to be no more hazardous than other forms of performance.
Temple explained that instead of requiring a specific amount of public liability insurance, they now state that a suitable amount is necessary.
However, the art form has faced some controversies.
In 1998, a 24-year-old woman named Sharon Tabarn passed away shortly after being hypnotized by a stage hypnotist at a pub in Lancashire. An investigation determined that there was insufficient evidence to link hypnosis to her death, as she was otherwise healthy and passed away from choking on her own vomit while asleep. Despite this finding, Tabarn’s mother, Margaret Harper, attempted to obtain a second inquest with the attorney general, but was unsuccessful. During the hypnosis, the hypnotist suggested that 10,000 volts of electricity were running through Tabarn’s body, causing her to be pulled out of her trance.
Harper stated that her daughter had a strong aversion to electricity due to a childhood incident where she experienced a powerful electric shock that caused her to be thrown across the room.
According to Temple, hypnosis should only be practiced by trained individuals, and he supported the idea of implementing regulations.
According to him, hypnosis can be risky if it is performed by the wrong individuals or used incorrectly. He supports regulations to ensure that practitioners are properly trained, insured, and assessed for potential risks.
Source: theguardian.com
