Forget Hugh Jackman, the greatest showman of our generation without a doubt is Derren Brown.
The prominent illusionist rose to fame in the early 2000s, starting with the TV show Mind Control and other shows such as Trick of the Mind and his specials Sacrifice, Miracle: Faith or Fiction and The Push are currently available to stream on Netflix, with more available on All4. He has always stated that he is able to manipulate the mind and use psychology to work out people’s actions. More often than not, he is able to do exactly what he says and has stunned audiences worldwide. In today’s fickle age, over 20 years after his rise to fame, he is still as popular with audiences and able to stun them to silence in awe at what he does.
Unfortunately, I can’t go into detail about what we witnessed at the Empire last night, as Derren swore us to secrecy (and I’m a little scared he’d hunt me down if I shared details), but it is safe to say that it sure takes a genius and someone truly skilled at what they do, to bring a 2000-seat theatre to awed silence. People of all ages appreciated together what they were watching on the stage and what was happening before them. This self-proclaimed sceptic was also shocked by how many people were willing to give their mind control over to someone else too and allow him to alter their memories and recollections of the evening. When I call myself a sceptic, don’t get it confused for me not believing what was happening, I am completely fascinated with what Brown does and fully appreciate that he states he is tricking the mind. I am more a sceptic of the people that seem overly eager to allow him free reign of their minds! However, I think this is also something that Derren is conscious of, as he seems to be very selective when bringing people onto the stage.
Showman feels like a piece that Brown is most proud of, as well he should be. There were a few moments throughout the evening, where I physically felt my jaw drop, but there were also plenty of humour-filled moments too, to break up the seriousness, to make the whole evening thoroughly enjoyable and utterly unforgettable (unless you let Derren at your own mind!). And in case anyone who has already seen the show is curious, yes, I do have an above average sense of humour!
Playing until Saturday 4th June, https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/derren-brown-showman/liverpool-empire/
Reviewer: Jenn McKean
Reviewed: 31st May 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★