Derren Brown - Showman
How do you write a review where you are told by the man himself not to divulge any of the magic seen on stage…….well I’ll give it a go.
I was told to go with an open mind and be ready to get involved in the whole experience. I will put my hand up though about being slightly sceptical about this kind of entertainment, so read on to see whether my mind was changed!
Derren Brown is a master of his craft and ‘Showman’ is probably the most perfect title for his show. He oozes star quality, is very commanding on stage, but also delivers a heart-warming side to his character that meant we hung onto every word.
This show is written by Derren, together with Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor, who also direct, all seasoned performers, so it was clear that it would be quite the experience. It is very much audience based with many people being invited onto stage to take part in various ‘tricks’. There were plenty of moments throughout the show that my friend and I kept turning to look at each other in utter disbelief…….I mean, mouth wide open kind of stuff!
Derren Brown has been performing for a number of years, getting his big break back in 1999 on a Channel 4 show called Derren Brown : Mind Control. Sat in a packed theatre, it was obvious that Derren has amassed quite the following over the years. Everyone seemed totally engrossed in what was happening on stage and on many occasions there was a buzz throughout the audience once a ‘trick’ had been revealed, showing how much people became invested in each section of the show.
To be able to command an audience for just over 1 hour in each half really does take some star quality and Derren just has it, whatever IT is! Each section of the show is cleverly crafted, leaves you spell bound and in disbelief of what you’ve just witnessed.
The only advice I can give you is to head to the Alexandra Theatre before Derren leaves on the 10th September because you do not want to miss an evening of bewilderment, shock and full out entertainment.
This show was reviewed on the 6th September 2022. Tickets available here : Derren Brown: Showman Tickets | The Alexandra, Birmingham in Birmingham | ATG Tickets
Photo credit: Mark Douet
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