For Cessnock local Scott Foster a simple trip to a local markets as a tiny tot set him on quite a magical path.
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“I was five years old and I went to Wollombi markets with mum and the first thing I saw was a magician and he put a red ball in each of my hands and when I opened them up there was two in one hand.
“That literally blew my mind – I knew then that’s what I wanted to do,” he said.
Fast forward a few years and Scott has parlayed that passion for magic as well as a keen interest in hypnosis into a career as Hypnotik, who is set to beguile audiences with his hypnosis and illusion show at East Cessnock Bowling Club this month.
“My show is pretty action packed and I’m the first person in Australia to do illusion and hypnosis in the same show,” he said.
“I want to make something happen that shouldn't happen. I want people to leave my show with a bit of mystery. Its about making the impossible possible.”
While people may associate stage hypnotists with enthralling people to do risky things under the spotlight, Hypnotik insists that his show doesn't cross the line.
“I like to keep it fun,” he said.
“I’d rather have someone simply forget their name than going over and doing a dance on someone. The look on the face of someone who can’t remember their name is just priceless.”
He was also quick to dispel other myths about hypnosis, such as people under the influence of the hypnotist clucking like a chicken when the phone rings three weeks later.
“Hypnosis is not scary and it’s not about losing control – its the ability to relax and forget about your normal life and have fun,” he said.
“Once that person leaves that auditorium the hypnosis is switched off – it really is, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Hypnotik, a qualified hypnotherapist, added that while he hoped that his show would take him to the far flung corners of the globe, he always relished the chance to ply his trade on home soil.
“I’ve performed on some pretty big stages but ECBC is pretty good,” he said.
“I always say, you should never forget where you come from.”
Catch the Hypnotik Illusion Hypnosis show at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Friday 22 February from 8pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 14 and under.