A TOP hypnotist is set to bring his show to the Clacton stage.

Christopher Caress is on a mission to get hypnosis back into the mainstream.

“There is a whole generation coming through who have never seen it before,” he says.

“I absolutely love it when children come up to me after the show and are fascinated by what has happened, because that was me when I was young.”

His show, which combines comedy and mystique in equal measure, has been honed by years of working on cruise ships.

“People go into a trance states several times a day, whether it be watching television, reading, or driving home and having no recollection of taking certain turns,” he said.

“During the show, I use a technique called rapid induction, which means I can shake their hand and put them into a trance.

“It is absolutely jaw-dropping."

Christopher Caress is at the West Cliff Theatre, Clacton, on October 3 from 7.30pm. Tickets are £14.50 (children £12.50) on 01255 433344.