First transmitted in September 2003

Stage hypnosis is a phenomenon riddled with controversy. Banned in three European countries, it's been held responsible for mental illness and blamed for a woman's death. But has it been unfairly condemned - is it really messing with people's minds or just a bit of mindless fun?

Campaigners against stage shows believe that volunteering to participate is simply not a risk worth taking. Supporters insist it's harmless entertainment. The hypnotists themselves are increasingly alarmed and angry that their livelihoods are under threat.

Recounting personal stories from both sides of the debate, The Dark Side of Stage Hypnotism talks to 'victims' like Lynn Howarth, who won the only standing ruling against a stage hypnotist after being regressed back to memories of sexual abuse at the age of eight. Lynn was so distressed by the experience she attempted suicide and nearly saw her marriage break up. Lynn successfully sued the hypnotist and, while the judge summing up stated that the case was not one against stage hypnosis per se, the verdict has been seen as an important victory by those opposed to the whole phenomenon.

In 1993, Sharron Tabarn got up on stage to be hypnotised during a show. Towards the end of the show, she was told she'd receive 10,000 volts of electricity as she came out of hypnosis. Sharron suffered from a phobia of electricity, having received a major shock in childhood. Within a few hours of returning home she was found dead. Despite her mother's belief that the hypnotist was to blame, any links between hypnotism and her daughter's death were dismissed at the inquest.

So what is the answer?  A two-year government investigation into stage hypnosis in 1996 declared that it was safe, although revised licensing conditions were set out for local authorities.  However, the problem as seen by practicing medical hypnotherapists is that stage hypnotists with no therapy background will not know whether the subject has any serious emotional or medical problems which might make them unsuitable for some of the tasks they are asked to perform.  A possible compromise might be to ensure that stage hypnotists are also qualified and practising hypnotherapists who are aware of potential problems and could handle any unexpected reactions which may occur.

For details of organisations, websites and reading connected with stage hypnotism, read on.