Welwyn Garden City-born "comedy hypnotist" Matt Hale has made his debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The now Australia-based performer took to the stage in the Scottish capital on all 25 nights of the August festival.

Prior to performing at the prestigious comedy festival, Matt's talent was spotted at one of Australia's biggest arts events, the Adelaide Fringe.

The same team that launched the career of comedian and actor Tim Minchin offered Matt his first placement at Edinburgh Fringe, where he created an unlikely bond with the Scottish national Rugby Team.

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The squad attended the hypnotist's show as a team-building exercise, prior to the Rugby World Cup.

During the night, Matt enlisted Scotland's number eight Jack Dempsey as his "laughter police" for the evening.

As well as entertaining crowds, the comedian has also been gaining a reputation online.

His performances have received over 50 million views on social media, with 24 million on one TikTok video alone.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Matt Hale with the Scotland rugby team.Matt Hale with the Scotland rugby team. (Image: Kathryn Preston / Matt Hale)

Matt now has 54,000 followers on Facebook, and 12,000 likes.

Speaking of his new-found success, Matt Hale said: "I’m ecstatic about all the attention!

"Laughter transcends across all walks of life!

"People want to laugh and I’m humbled that my shows bring them joy whether it be at their local theatre, or in the palm of their hand."

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Matt Hale has gained a significant following on social media.Matt Hale has gained a significant following on social media. (Image: Kathryn Preston / Matt Hale)

While he is in discussions for a full UK and Ireland tour next year, Matt has managed to squeeze a visit back to his native Hertfordshire before heading back to Australia.

With "plenty of family and friends in Herts", the comedian has arranged a "short notice" performance in his home county.

His only show in England this year will take place this Saturday (September 30), at the Maltings Theatre in St Albans.

Named 'Top Fun', the show is described as an "unmissable international smash hit comedy hypnosis show with 80s party vibes".

The event will begin at 6.30pm, with tickets available via the venue's website: www.ovo.org.uk