If you thought hypnotism was just a party trick or a relic of a variety of shows, think again. “Hyprov,” a groundbreaking fusion of hypnotism and improvisational comedy, is redefining what it means to entertain. Its roots in the theatrical and comedic expertise of Colin Mochrie, the beloved star of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and the hypnotic power of Asad Mecci, has turned Hyprov into a spectacular live show.
Recently rehearsed at the Improv Asylum in New York before its official premiere, this show proves that laughter and hypnosis can go hand in hand.
How Hypnosis Unlocks Comedy Gold
The heart of “Hyprov” lies in the notion that hypnosis can liberate participants from their inner critic, which is what usually strangles creativity. Asad Mecci, a charming hypnotist, starts the show by inviting 20 volunteers from the audience. He then puts them through a series of exercises to identify the five most suggestible participants and places them in a hypnotic state. What follows is a series of improv scenes led by Colin Mochrie as the hypnotized participants take center stage. Result? Comedy is as spontaneous as it is unfiltered.
Mochrie describes hypnotized performers as “pure improvisers.” Without the usual self-doubt or hesitation, their reactions are immediate and emotionally authentic. This unique dynamic creates moments of hilarity that even seasoned comedians might struggle to replicate. As Mecci puts it, “The part of their brain that deals with self-criticism is wiped clean.”
Moments of Magic
Every Hyprov performance is a one-of-a-kind experience. In one show, hypnotized participants were told they had lost their belly buttons. The volunteers sprang into action, peeking under chairs and searching with frantic energy. According to the NY Times Hyprov review, the audience roared with laughter, especially when one participant exclaimed, “I know I had my belly button when I got here!”
In another sketch, participants were asked to mourn a half-beaver creature, half-penguin at a wake. The hypnotized performers responded with wailing and even tears, delivering lines with such conviction that the comedy felt both absurd and genuine. One woman’s impassioned outcry of “It’s unnatural!” left the audience in stitches. As Mochrie pointed out, the immediacy and intensity of these reactions are what make “Hyprov” truly special.
What Makes Hyprov the Best Show?
Hypnotism has long been shrouded in mystery, often associated with vampires, stage tricks, or even watch-waving therapists. But “Hyprov” aims to demystify the practice. Mecci explains hypnosis as a state of extreme focus, likening it to daydreaming or getting lost in a movie. While some hypnotized participants describe their experience as hallucination, others feel simply compelled to act.
Interestingly, hypnosis allows participants to bypass the mental filters that normally inhibit creativity. This aligns closely with the goals of improv training, which encourages performers to “get out of their heads.” Mecci, who took classes at Toronto’s Second City to refine his act, found that hypnosis could achieve similar results faster. By eliminating self-doubt, hypnotized performers become fully immersed in their scenes, delivering unselfconscious and often brilliant performances.
A New Kind of Comedy
While traditional improv relies on quick wit and practiced skills, “Hyprov” thrives on the raw, unfiltered responses of its hypnotized participants. The beauty of the show lies in its simplicity. Complex scenes often falter, but straightforward objectives delivered concisely yield comedic gold. As Mochrie explains in the Hyprov reviews, “This art form is about acceptance. Our first thing as humans is to go, ‘No, I have a better idea.’ The beauty of hypnosis is: That’s gone. We now have pure improvisers.”
The hypnotized performers in Hyprov bring a level of emotional commitment that can be startling. Even as their movements might seem sluggish or their expressions slightly drooped, their ability to connect with the scene and audience is undeniable. This authenticity sets Hyprov apart, making it an experience unlike any other comedy show.
Why Should You See Hyprov?
Hyprov is more than a comedy show; it’s an exploration of human creativity and spontaneity. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer in hypnotism, the sheer originality of the performances will leave you in awe. The combination of Mecci’s hypnotic expertise and Mochrie’s comedic genius creates a magical experience that is as funny as it is thought-provoking.
For those who crave fresh, innovative entertainment, Hyprov is a must-see. As Mecci often says, “The deeper you go, the better you feel.” And by the end of the show, you’ll be feeling great—and laughing even more.
Author: Hyprov .
Hyprov offers a unique blend of hypnotism and improvisation, creating a captivating entertainment experience.
