If I ever started hearing random voices in my head I would start to worry. I imagine most of you would feel the same. However, some people turn it into a career - including Steve Holbrook.
The man considered by many to be among the country's most gifted mediums is coming to the Phoenix Arts Centre next month (February 2).
And, if his last appearance in 1066 Country is anything to go by, his performance may well sell out - such is th
e demand for a peek into the afterlife. Or rather an ear. Holbrook you see is a clairaudient rather than a clairovoyant. Imagine, if you will, a human telephone to the afterlife. If there is one. A bit like ringing an old area code - you are never sure whether or not anyone will answer. Or indeed, whether or not there is actually anyone still at the address.
And there is the rub. An evening with Holbrook relies heavily on the audience's firm belief in the afterlife and their conviction that they are watching a man communicate with the dead, and not just use body-language and probability to second guess his crowd.
Holdbrook's belief that our loved ones don't die, they simply move on to another dimension is certainly a comforting one. Whether it is a logical or believable one is more open to debate.
One thing is for certain, an evening of clairovoyance, sorry clairaudience, brings with it a rollercoaster of emotions as full of tears as it is smiles. Certainly not for the light hearted and a show which I would suggest is best not attended by people pinning their hopes on the outcome.
Go hoping to hear from a loved one and you will probably leave thinking you have. Whether you actually have is questionable.
But, to give Holbrook his due, he has been called upon by police to help investigate a murder inquiry and his shows seem to grow in popularity on almost a date by date basis.
He has also raised more than £50,000 for his local hospice in Wakefield, and more than £5,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support. He also, apparently, predicted the rise to fame of Loose Woman Jane McDonald years before she stole the hearts of some TV watchers after appearing in docusoap The Cruise. if that dosn't prove his credentials, I don't know what does.
Tickets are £15 in advance or £16 on the door (subject to availability) and are available from the Box Office on 01424 854242.
