Theatre Review: Derren Brown, Showman

This review refers to the October 2021 touring production of Derren Brown’s Showman.

(Ad: Event Invite*) It’s tricky to talk about the latest Derren Brown show without giving away any spoilers. It’s definitely one of those shows where you need to start a WhatsApp group with fellow audience members so you can share all your “how on earth did he do that?” messages. And the Showman left many guests at the Alex Theatre’s Press Night scratching their heads in awe and wonder.

Derren Brown is an award-winning illusionist, magician and mentalist. Which basically means that he plays tricks of the mind and manipulates the audience into seeing and thinking what he wants them to see and think.

Originally scheduled pre-pandemic, COVID has clearly had a significant influence on the show that is now being performed across the country. It’s Brown’s first brand new live show in 6 years; it’s the first time I’ve seen him live and it’s clear why his previous shows have received such critical acclaim.

Of course, the mind-boggling illusions remain a secret. I’m a sceptic, always looking for those moments of distraction or sleight-of-hand. But such is the talent of Brown that even I was baffled at times by what I had witnessed. I had to check with Pa Lee – my plus one for the evening – whether my mind was playing tricks on me. It’s best just to go with the flow and enjoy a master at work.

Brown effortlessly weaves illusions into a personal and tender narrative. For just over two hours this consummate professional has the audience in the palm of his hand. Or maybe we’re all under some kind of mass hypnotic spell. Audience participation is encouraged from the off, and there are a surprising number of people keen to be publicly manipulated in the name of entertainment. But Brown is certainly not there to humiliate volunteers into clucking like a chicken or revealing their deepest, darkest desires. He is warm, charismatic and builds a rapport, careful not to make anyone in the auditorium feel uncomfortable.

To be honest, I’m still not totally a believer. I found myself looking for the language, both spoken and non-verbal, which may impel people to behave in one way or another. But believers will believe, and it is the willing participants which will make every single show a different experience. And whether you believe or not, you will still be swept away by the well-crafted and tightly scripted performance.

The sparse set and dim lighting are designed to give off an air of mystery. We are implored not to give anything away before the curtain falls. After all, it’s a performance that relies on intrigue. It may be a one-man show, but we all leave feeling like we have been a part of a collective experience. A jaw-dropping, mind-boggling experience.

The UK Tour continues until October 2022 For full dates and ticket purchases, check out Derren Brown: Showman