Right, so you’ve got a pub, a good set of regulars, and maybe even a decent bitter on tap. But let’s be honest, attracting new faces on a quiet midweek night can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. If you’re looking for a way to liven the joint up—something a bit different, that’ll have punters talking about your place long after their last pint—then a stage hypnotist might just be your secret weapon.

Now, before you picture a bloke with a swirling black-and-white wheel whispering “You are getting veeeeery sleepy…”, let me tell you: modern stage hypnosis isn’t like your grandad’s end-of-the-pier act. As someone who’s spent over 20 years hypnotizing everyone from rowdy students to high-flying corporate types, I’ve learned a thing or two about making these shows work. And trust me, when done right, a hypnosis show can turn your pub into the talk of the town—for all the right reasons.

So, if you’re thinking of booking a hypnotist, here are ten tips that’ll help you get the most out of the experience. Grab a brew, settle in, and let’s crack on.

1. Choose a Reputable Hypnotist

Look, I know your mate’s cousin’s ex-boyfriend claims he can hypnotize ferrets, but let’s not risk your pub’s reputation on that, eh? Your first step is finding a hypnotist with proper credentials. A professional stage hypnotist should have plenty of testimonials, a decent online presence, and a track record of safe, fun shows.

Pro Hypnotist Tip:

• Ask if they’re a member of a recognized organisation such as the International Stage Hypnotist Association. Affiliation shows they’re serious about their craft and adhere to professional standards.
• Check that they’ve got public liability insurance. If they’re worth their salt, they’ll have the proper cover and be able to show you proof.
• Don’t be afraid to request references or watch a few clips from previous gigs. You wouldn’t buy a car without kicking the tyres, so treat your entertainment the same way.

2. Timing is Everything

You wouldn’t schedule a comedian for a Sunday morning crowd or a brass band at closing time, would you? The same goes for stage hypnosis. Think about the best time to host this show. Midweek nights often work well because punters are looking for a reason to come out, and a hypnotist on a Wednesday might just give them that gentle nudge.

Pro Hypnotist Tip:

Avoid clashing with major sporting events. If half your crowd’s eyes are glued to the telly, it’s harder to get them to volunteer for some hypnotic silliness.

3. Promote the Event Like Your Best Ale

You can have the best hypnotist in the world, but if no one knows they’re coming, you’ll be performing to barstools. Get the word out early—at least a couple of weeks in advance. Whack up posters, share it on social media, and don’t forget the good old-fashioned word of mouth. Your regulars will spread the news if they’re excited about something new happening in their local.

Pro Hypnotist Tip:

Offer a small discount on drinks or a free bag of crisps for early birds who arrive before showtime. Little incentives get people through the door.

4. Set the Stage for Success

While we hypnotists don’t need a grand theatre stage with velvet curtains, we do need a bit of space. Clear an area where volunteers can sit comfortably without tripping over stools or Auntie Jean’s handbag. Good lighting and decent sound are crucial too. If your audience can’t see or hear what’s going on, you’ll lose that all-important atmosphere.

Pro Hypnotist Tip:

A wireless microphone and a small PA system can make a world of difference. Ask the hypnotist what they need well ahead of time, and don’t leave it until the last minute to test everything.

5. Encourage Willing Volunteers

A hypnosis show thrives on audience participation. Don’t worry, no one’s going to be forced onto the stage kicking and screaming—that’s about as appealing as a warm lager. Your hypnotist will invite volunteers up, but it helps if you warm up the crowd beforehand. Let them know it’s all in good fun, totally safe, and no one’s going to run out of the pub naked (unless they were planning to anyway, in which case, that’s another issue entirely).

Pro Hypnotist Tip:
Ask your staff to join in the fun or at least show enthusiasm from the sidelines. Their confidence might rub off on the crowd.

6. Keep It Light (with the Booze, That Is)

I’m not here to tell you how to run your bar—you know your punters best. But a key factor in hypnosis is concentration. If your volunteers have had ten pints and can barely stand, never mind focus, the show might lose its spark. Gentle encouragement to pace themselves never hurts. After all, a volunteer who can follow along is far more entertaining than one who’s half-asleep with their head in a crisp packet.

Pro Tip:
Consider making a special “Hypno Happy Hour” before the show, then ease off a bit as the performance starts. You want volunteers with enough Dutch courage to get involved, but not so much they forget why they’re on stage.

7. Tailor the Show to Your Crowd

Every pub has its own personality. Maybe yours is a lively student haunt, or maybe it’s a cosy local with a loyal band of regulars who like a good chinwag. Let your hypnotist know what kind of crowd to expect. They can tailor the routines accordingly. A good performer will have plenty of material up their sleeve—family-friendly fun for a mixed crowd, or cheeky banter if it’s an adults-only evening.

Pro Tip:
Communication is key. Chat with the hypnotist about your pub’s vibe and any topics or jokes to steer clear of. Nobody wants to offend Big Dave in the corner seat.

8. Reinforce the Safety Aspect

Some folks still think hypnosis is something spooky or mind-controlling. Rubbish, I say. A professional stage hypnotist will follow strict guidelines to keep everyone safe and comfortable. They’ve been trained and vetted—hence that membership in a reputable organisation and their insurance. Emphasize this in your promotional material—let your customers know it’s all about entertainment, not messing with their heads. The volunteers are always in control and can leave the stage anytime they want.

Pro Tip:
Post a simple FAQ somewhere visible in the pub or online. Address common concerns like “Will I do something I regret?” (No, you won’t!) and “Is it safe?” (Absolutely, with a pro at the helm.)

9. Make It a Night to Remember

Don’t just have the show be a one-off spectacle. Think about ways to keep the buzz going before and after. Maybe create a signature cocktail named after the hypnotist. Offer a photo op after the show so punters can share snaps on social media. The more memorable the event, the more likely they’ll be back next time you’ve got something special lined up.

Pro Tip:
If the hypnotist is game, let them hang around after the show for a quick chat with the audience. Personal connection goes a long way in building loyalty and turning occasional visitors into regulars.

10. Ask for Feedback and Learn from It

After the show, chat with your patrons. What did they enjoy? What would they change next time? Getting honest feedback can help you fine-tune future events. Maybe next time you’ll start earlier, or maybe you’ll decide to make it a bi-monthly highlight. Stay open-minded and use each event as a stepping stone to improve.

Pro Tip:
Send a quick follow-up email or post on your social media page asking for feedback. People love having their opinions heard, and it shows you care about their experience.

The Bottom Line

Bringing a stage hypnotist into your pub might feel like a leap into the unknown, but trust me, it can be just the thing to set you apart from every other watering hole on the high street. With careful planning, good communication, and a professional performer who has the right credentials (membership in a recognized association and public liability insurance), you’ll have your customers laughing, clapping, and singing your praises for weeks to come.

Remember: It’s all about creating a fun, safe, and memorable experience. Nail that, and you’ll turn a quiet Wednesday into a banging night out that keeps the punters coming back for more. Cheers to that!

Tags: #StageHypnotist #PubEntertainment #LiveShows #EventPlanning #NorthernHumour #GrantSaunders #SafeFunHypnosis #EntertainmentBooking