FRINGE REVIEW: Matt Hale goes 'Bonkers'
After seeing reviews and posters documenting the hypnotist’s many sold-out shows and countless fringe awards, I decided it was time to see it for myself.
Set in the gorgeous, heritage-listed Girls School, Matt’s Fringe World Festival 2021 show is returning for the 6th year in a row. The years of experience were certainly a catalyst for a fun-filled show - turning your preconceived notions of hypnosis on their head and leaving the participants feeling a little BONKERS.
Matt started the night, appearing on stage to Dizzee Rascal and Armand Van Helden’s 2009 banger Bonkers. Right from the start the audience was involved, getting us to do various tasks to see that hypnosis is simply a state of mind that we use every day!
Matt debunked common myths associated with hypnosis before giving us the three rules for the show: it is all about fun; no one will be embarrassed on stage; the participants will be entirely volunteers only.
Without spoiling what went down, Matt relaxed the mind of and provoked the imagination of those on stage through various scenarios. The world-travelling hypnotist gave the volunteers specific roles and prompts, which got the audience laughing and clapping as they watched in fascination.
The show, although captivating, was clearly and understandably aimed at being a family-friendly event. The humour was quite juvenile and repetitive at times, keeping it PG for the younger ears in the room. This was often made up, however, with Matt’s BONKERS stage presence - I guess years in the trade truly have created absolute self-confidence.
If you’re interested in hypnosis or even want to volunteer to be hypnotised by the master himself, grab a ticket while Matt is still here!
