Imagine kissing everyone in a room because Pakistan just hit a six. comedy hypnosis expert Alan Bates is here to make you love the pak cricket team, play your neighbour's piano, and quit smoking
Imagine kissing everyone in a room because Pakistan just hit a six. comedy hypnosis expert Alan Bates is here to make you love the pak cricket team, play your neighbour's piano, and quit smoking
He started off as a bike engineer, rocked on with a mobile disco, even became a frontline DJ at popular UK clubs. But it was his chance meeting with an illusionist aboard a cruise liner sailing around the Caribbean (where he worked as a casino manager) that steered Londoner Alan Bates towards his true calling u2014 comedy hypnosis.
After reading everything he could find on hypnosis and psychology, he decided to hypnotise a few willing customers at the bar where he was DJing. When the impromptu act turned out to be a hit, Alan put together his own show incorporating a unique brand of comedy and presentation. Comedy hypnosis is a fusion of controlling the mind and adding comic elements. "I made people believe that when they woke up from their slumber, they would be performing in front of an audience as world famous pianists. So, they woke up and started furiously pounding on an invisible piano. I then told them to play their neighbour's piano. So, you had them lean to one side and play at a weird, twisted angle. I suggested that somebody was trying to steal their piano, and that totally ticked them off. They spent the rest of the time nudging imaginary thieves," he laughs in his trademark Cockney accent.u00a0u00a0
Though it is Alan's first time in India, he's sure that Indian audiences will warm up to him. "I have so many Indian friends back in London. Indians are so friendly. They are the only people who are going to listen to me!" he winks. "No, seriously, I love India and the people. And the food. The Tikka Do Pyaza and Vindaloo are amazing. And how can I forget the sunshine!" he says, tucking into a plate of Bhelpuri at a roadside Worli Naka stall.
But it's not all about fun and laughter. Alan has successfully persuaded thousands to quit smoking, using little else but hypnosis. "When I am through with them, I could be offering them Rs 10,000 to smoke a cigarette, but they just won't be able to do it."
What does he have planned for his Mumbai performance? "I first need to find a few willing members from the audience, because hypnotism only works if people are willing to get hypnotised. What I have planned is a cricket sketch. I will ask them who their favourite team is. They are sure to say, India." Alan will then put them to sleep, and when they wake up, he will shoot the same question back at them. "And you know what? They will say, Pakistan. I am going to make them run around the room kissing peoples' heads because Pakistan hit a six," he says wickedly. "That's sure to get a reaction, ain't it?"
