Comedy hypnotist Matt Hale explains that he loves the Fringe because it is a fabulous dreamscape of the imagination. That’s pretty much like being hypnotised. So dive in, forget your troubles for a while and just embrace the experience.
The Fringe is a place where reality is just a suggestion
Imagine strolling through Edinburgh’s cobbled streets during Fringe. The city buzzes with street performers, quirky costumes, and enticing food scents. It feels like a dream, and as a comedy hypnotist, this festival is the perfect playground for the mind’s wildest imaginations.
The Fringe is a colourful, chaotic dream. The city transforms into a stage where reality’s usual rules don’t apply. Every corner reveals a new surprise — jugglers, impromptu musicians, maybe a guy dressed as a giant banana. For someone like me, who invites people to let their imaginations take over, the Fringe is a goldmine. It’s the ultimate place to experience things you wouldn’t find elsewhere. The sheer variety and creativity spark thoughts into something far weirder than normal day-to-day life.
When I hypnotise someone, I guide them into a state where their imagination can run wild. They might think they’re an 80s rock star, a coffee machine, or a friendly T-rex. It’s about suspending disbelief and diving into the absurd. At Fringe, this suspension of disbelief is already in the air. The festival’s vibe makes people more open to letting go and embracing the bizarre. It’s not just about watching a show; it’s about becoming part of a shared, fantastical experience.
There’s a magical moment during my shows when the audience watches adults, fully immersed in their imagination, become penguins or belt out bizarre new lyrics to classic songs. No one thinks, “That’s just stupid". Instead, everyone, both the hypnotised volunteers and the captivated audience, gets swept up in the collective dream. The logical circuits of the brain take a nap, and pure, uninhibited imagination takes over. The volunteers, even though part of them knows what’s happening, don’t question the absurdity. They embrace the moment with the same acceptance you might find in a dream where everything feels perfectly normal.
So, if you find yourself in Edinburgh during the Fringe, embrace the dreamlike atmosphere. Let your mind get lost in the colour, the noise, the costumes, the buzz of thousands of performers, and the sheer magic of the festival. Whether watching a hypnotist or enjoying a street performer’s antics, remember that the Fringe is a place where reality is just a suggestion, and imagination rules the day. Dive in, let go, and see where the adventure takes you. Trust me, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
