A STAGE hypnotist retired last Friday (17th October) after 25 years wowing audiences across the globe.

Christian P Taylor, known as Chris Doc Strange, performed his final gig at the Severn Bridge Social Club in Chepstow.

Initially, Christian didn't start his entertainment career as a stage hypnotist. He was a mobile DJ and worked on cruise ships.

It was back in 1989 when Chris started dabbling with hypnotism, "I decided I needed to do something where I didn't have to carry so much equipment," he said.

In 1992 Chris travelled to Corfu and Italy and did many shows.

On Chris's return to the UK he performed in pubs all across Northern England.

Known in the early 1990s as Michael Moon the Singing Hypnotist, Chris was packing out theatres in Blackpool.

"I wasn't doing it for the money, I was doing it for experience and the food and booze.

"I used to joke that I was living in a trailer but actually I was living in a tent outside a farm and riding a bike to town."

Before long Chris was once again performing to crowds, this time in Tenerife where he would put on adult shows and children's shows nine times a week.

"All hypnosis is self-hypnosis," Chris said, "A hypnotist is nothing more than someone guiding the other person.

"Hypnosis benefits the participants in a positive way, it allows them to believe in themselves.

"One of the most powerful gifts we have is to make someone laugh.

"If you do this you can bring out powerful emotions in people."

Chris has been entertaining children for the past three years and will now place all his focus on shows under the new pseudonym Chris P Tee.

"I like being able to tap into the psyche of the child and tell them they have the power to do whatever they want to do. I always tell them they are capable of anything and to remember to believe in themselves.

"It's a shame to retire, but Chris Doc Strange has had his day."