'First' Hypnotist to 'Perform' in Mid Devon for 14 Years Flops

IT was supposed to be the first legal hypnosis act to perform in Mid Devon for 14 years, but instead, it turned out to be a major disappointment.

The Globe Inn in Sampford Peverall were hoping that people from the village and surrounding areas would come and take part in Colin Adamson's Hypnosis Experience, but instead only two people turned up - a reporter, and his sister.

The show was due to begin at 8.00pm today, but when nobody had turned after 90 minutes, the decision was made to call the show off.

This week, councillors met in Tiverton to discuss whether or not to lift the ban on hypnosis acts following the application by hypnotist Colin Adamson to hold a hypnotism show at the Globe Inn, — the first application the council had received in 15 years.

Before the show was cancelled Colin, who has been a hypnotist since 2003 said: "I do shows up and down the country, and always get a mixed response, hypnotism is safe, but things have happened to make people doubtful.

"I agree with the guidelines, and I always seek to get permission from the local authority before performing. Every council has a different approach to it, and I'd never perform without the right permission."

The Globe Inn's landlady Fay Smith was deeply upset and embarrassed about the turnout. She said: "We have had people buying tickets, but obviously they haven't turned up.

We were meant to be making history with the first hypnotism act since the ban was lifted, but instead we're the only history being made is that for once on a Friday night, the Canal Restaurant is empty.

"We had adverts out, it was in the Gazette, and so I don't know why nobody has turned up. It's quiet in the bar tonight, so I don't know why it's happening."

Colin Adamson left the village with his only performance to reporter Lewis Clarke, and his sister as he performed a small Derren Brown like trick. Lewis added: "I was looking forward to seeing the hypnotist. I was supposed to write a first person piece for the Gazette about being hypnotised, or at least about watching the hypnotist at work.

"The last time I had seen a hypnotist was in Fuerteventura in 2003, so it would have been a laugh to see one perform on my doorstep.

"It was very awkward sitting in a room all on our own. I felt so sorry for the landlady who has obviously gone through a lot of trouble, and paid money for a hypnotist who didn't get a chance to send anyone under his trance."

Colin left by saying it would be nice to perform in Mid Devon sometime in the future, and that he too felt sorry for Fay.