The Peacock, Gluttony
Until 17th March
4 Stars
Hypnotist Matt Hale’s “Top Fun! 80’s Spectacular Remix” at the Adelaide Fringe is a vibrant journey back to the 80s, blending hypnotic wonders with the era’s iconic tunes, movies, and fashion trends. Think neon, knee-socks, and graphic tees. Whether you’re a staunch believer in the power of hypnosis or a sceptic like myself, this show is guaranteed to entertain, provoke thought, and, most importantly, be an absolute blast.
Stepping into The Peacock at Gluttony, you’re immediately swept up in an electric atmosphere. The stage awash with neon lights and lined with empty black chairs awaits the brave. The air is thick with infectious 80s tunes and a buzz of anticipation. One burning question lingering in the air, “Are we about to witness actual hypnosis?” Then, Matt Hale takes to the stage, our energetic and charismatic host, eager to ramp up the audience’s excitement even more.
Hale’s show is centered on audience participation; it’s an invitation to be part of the spectacle. With a warm and inviting presence, he reassures us that the night is about fun, not embarrassment. It’s an opportunity to let loose and get foot-loose, to a medley of 80s hits that transport us back to the days of classics like “Ghostbusters,” “Footloose,” and “Dirty Dancing.”
When the time comes to call upon volunteers, there is a rush to the stage, and people are even turned back to their seats. Having seen the show, I understand why; I’m tempted to return and experience Hale’s hypnotism myself.
Onstage, the volunteers leap into the action, dancing and singing under Hale’s energetic guidance. As the show unfolds, they blossom into their most dynamic selves: a spirited cheerleader, a soulful saxophonist, and our valiant fighter pilots. The room fills with laughter, sing-a-longs, and wonder.
Watching the volunteers return to their partners and families, I can’t help myself from scrutinising their reactions, trying to determine if their performances were the results of actual hypnosis. Real or not, the experience was a blast, that had us talking and humming for the rest of the night.
So, About Towner, here’s the scoop: whether you believe the magic was from the art of hypnosis, the charm of 80s nostalgia, or Hale’s infectious stage presence; this show is not one to miss. So, let your inner 80s fan loose for a night that promises to be unforgettable. Get ready to be enchanted, entertained, and possibly even hypnotised.
