Look Into My Eyes – June 2024

In this comedic one-act play, we find ourselves in a cosy flat shared by two contrasting personalities: Bill, the easy-going and playful roommate, and Dennis, the more serious and, at times, anxious flatmate who is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Jenny. Jenny is a vibrant and adventurous spirit, passionate about aromatherapy and exploring the depths of the human mind through her recent fascination with hypnotism.

The stage is set with a living room filled with an eclectic mix of furniture, scattered books on psychology, and various essential oil bottles, hinting at the couple’s interests. As the play begins, Bill can’t resist teasing Dennis about his relationship with Jenny, frequently playfully mocking him for being “whipped” or overly sentimental. Dennis, although exasperated, clearly adores Jenny, making the playful banter both light-hearted and relatable.

As Jenny enters the scene, she exudes an aura of confidence and charisma. She excitedly shares her new knowledge of hypnotism, suggesting she could demonstrate it on Bill, who scoffs at the idea, dismissing it as nonsense. However, intrigued and slightly curious, he eventually agrees, spurred on by Dennis’s encouragement and the promise of a good laugh.

When the moment arrives, Jenny sets the atmosphere with soothing music and a gentle aroma filling the room. With a few calming words and rhythmic gestures, she successfully hypnotizes Bill, who then slips into a comedic trance. What follows is a series of outlandish and hilarious activities as Bill, under hypnosis, behaves in the most absurd ways. He starts speaking in a flamboyant accent, impersonating famous figures, and dancing wildly around the flat, much to the amusement of Dennis and Jenny.

The antics take an unexpected turn when Bill’s belongings mysteriously appear scattered across the motorway the next day. This leads to a comical confrontation with a bemused police officer who summons Bill for littering. As the officer expresses disbelief over Bill’s chaotic explanation, it becomes evident that it’s not just his playful behaviour but rather an identity theft scheme that’s causing the ruckus.

Throughout the play, the blend of laughter, confusion, and the unexpected consequences of hypnosis creates an engaging narrative that pokes fun at relationships, identity, and the occasional absurdities of life. By the end, as the hypnosis wears off, Bill finds himself in a mess of his own making, with a newfound respect for Jenny’s skills but a lingering sense of chaos surrounding him. The audience is left in stitches, reflecting on the mishaps that ensue when curiosity and a little bit of hypnotism mix.