When was the last time you saw a hypnotized person perform improv? If your answer is never, then “Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis” might be the kind of theatrical experiment you didn’t know you needed. Created by master hypnotist Asad Mecci and improv legend Colin Mochrie of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” fame, Hyprov fuses two performance arts rarely seen together: hypnosis and improvisational comedy.
The result? A quirky, unpredictable show that’s equal parts psychological experiment and laugh-out-loud entertainment. Let’s learn more about the show with this brief Hyprov review.
What is the concept behind the show?
The show begins with Mecci working his hypnotic magic on a group of 20 audience volunteers. It’s a spectacle in itself, watching individuals surrender to his soothing voice and enter a trance-like state. From these volunteers, the most receptive—or as Mochrie jokingly calls them, “the easily hypnotizable”—are chosen to join Mochrie on stage for improv games. Here’s where the magic truly begins.
The participants let go of their constraints under hypnosis. This, combined with real honesty, makes for some pretty wild, spontaneous, and genuinely funny moments. An extra surprise comes from the unpredictability of hypnotized minds, even for one who, like Mochrie, is experienced at improv.
The Stars: Mochrie and Mecci
At the heart of the production are its two leads. According to several Hyprov reviews by the spectators, Asad Mecci’s hypnosis skills are considered undeniable, and his ability to get a room full of strangers to willingly surrender their minds is impressive. Meanwhile, Colin Mochrie’s quick wit and comedic timing keep the show moving, even when the participants’ improv skills falter. Mochrie’s experience shines through, turning potentially awkward moments into comedic gold.
Audience Reactions: You Had to Be There
For many, the magic of Hyprov lies in its unpredictability. Others rave about the originality of seeing hypnotized individuals take part in improv, noting that it’s the kind of performance you can’t fully appreciate until you see it live.
Even the official Hyprov website leans into the experiential nature of the show, promising an evening that’s “unlike anything else.” And they’re not wrong—how often do you get to witness someone under hypnosis convincingly play a spy or belt out a song with Mochrie?
This Hyprov Review on Wall Street Journal shares this sentiment, describing the show as “surprisingly seamless” and highlighting the incredible synergy between hypnotist Asad Mecci and improv legend Colin Mochrie. The review also notes how the show “thirst for a moment in the spotlight—public mortification be damned!!—is virtually insatiable.,” ensuring that every performance is as entertaining as it is fascinating.
Why does this Show Work?
What sets Hyprov apart from traditional improv shows is its sheer unpredictability. The hypnotized volunteers are not professional performers; their reactions are entirely unpolished and genuine. This lack of polish often leads to hilariously unexpected moments that neither Mecci nor Mochrie could have scripted.
This rawness creates a sense of authenticity that resonates with the audience. Each performance is unique, shaped entirely by the personalities and actions of the hypnotized participants. As a result, no two shows are ever the same, making every Hyprov experience feel fresh and unrepeatable.
Conclusion: Worth the Hype?
Hyprov is, in itself, a unique and quite surreal theatrical experience with elements of improv comedy in interaction with hypnosis. Such a bold experiment challenges creativity, giving a show that does not exist anywhere else in comparison. What makes it worth the hype is the originality of the idea, which makes it an interesting and memorable performance.
So, get your ticket, volunteer to be hypnotized (if you dare), and prepare for a night when the boundaries between comedy and consciousness blur. After all, where else can you see someone sleepwalk their way into a punchline?
Originally published at vocal.media.
Author: Hyprov .
Hyprov offers a unique blend of hypnotism and improvisation, creating a captivating entertainment experience.
