When It All Goes T**ts Up: A Comedy Hypnotist’s Guide to Rolling With It
By Grant Saunders | Stage Hypnotist & Professional Chaos Juggler
Last Sunday, I was back at one of my regular venues. You know the kind, same spot, same stage, same crowd of holidaymakers wondering whether they’re about to see a bloke swing a pocket watch or turn their aunt into a chicken. (Spoiler: I don’t use a watch. And Auntie Sue clucks entirely on her own.)
I’ve been performing there nearly every week since 2013, barring that minor global hiccup we now call “the COVID years.” So when I say it’s a well-oiled machine, I mean it. I know exactly how it runs. The sound’s spot on, the crew knows the flow, and I can roll up with five minutes to spare and still walk on stage cool as a cucumber in a fridge full of cucumbers.
But this week, just as I was about to step on stage during the final pre-show check…
Boom. The wireless audio device dies.
The trusty bit of kit that I use to send my music wirelessly to the sound engineer, the same one I’ve used for nearly TWO DECADES, decided it was time to retire. Right there. Right then. Not even a thank-you or a dramatic farewell. Just poof. Gone.
Now, most people would panic. Especially when you’ve got 300 punters sipping cocktails and waiting for the “funny hypnosis man” to make someone believe their shoes are phones. But here’s the thing…
I believe in backups. Always.
Quick jog to the boot of the car, rummaged past the spare microphone, some weird props, and a bag of emergency Haribo (don’t judge), and I’m back with a short-but-trusty 3.5mm cable. It meant I couldn’t move much, sort of tied me to the stage like a dog on a lead, but the show? The show went on. And it was still a cracking laugh.
Was it my smoothest show ever? Nah. But the audience had no clue. They were too busy howling at hypnotised grown men doing catwalks to Careless Whisper.
The Lesson? Simple.
Always have a backup plan.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a comedy hypnotist, a DJ, or a manager with more pens than sense, something will go wrong eventually. And when it does, it’s your experience and mindset that makes the difference between a total meltdown and a minor hiccup with a funny story.
After 20+ years of doing this gig, performing as a stage hypnotist across the world from cruise ships to castles, I’ve learnt that the universe has a sense of humour. And every now and then, it likes to test you.
But here’s the best part:
You’ve got this.
Even when the tech fails.
Even when your cable’s too short.
Even when the universe throws a spanner at your wireless transmitter.
You adapt. You keep calm. And you make ‘em laugh anyway.
Being a comedy stage hypnotist isn’t just about laughs and lols. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and knowing that your mind, and your audience’s, is the most powerful tool you’ve got.
And if all else fails… keep a 3.5mm cable in the boot. Trust me.
Want to see how hypnosis can bend reality and tickle your funny bone?
Catch me live or book a show.
👉 www.grantsaunders.co.uk
Because hypnosis?
It’s not what you think… it’s what you think.
