Derren Brown: Miracle

Mr Brown is quite the performer and entertainer and asks both audience and reviewers not to reveal the contents of his show, especially we journalists. So here goes… actually Derren, some of us believe in exactly that, not revealing the story. This time round I felt that a great deal of the show is about self belief and the power we hold to make the most of our lives. How does he do that? I have very little idea. You see, like a play, I allow the performer to work that theatrical miracle that is suspension of belief – and few do it better than Brown. From the opening to the end I want to believe. I guess that much of what he does is clever manipulation and maybe trickery, I simply don’t care. And why? Because he does it with such skill, such mental and digital dexterity. This is no simple magic show, this goes far beyond that, this is audience control and manipulation on grand scale – and I loved it. Swaying between shock and amazement, this time I found Brown less sinister than in previous shows and that was a more comfortable experience. I was however no less impressed, and yes my gout did feel better after – if that is not giving too much away.
Theatre Royal Brighton
23 February
Andrew Kay
5 stars