Theatre / Derren Brown
Review: Derren Brown: Showman, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘Thrilling from beginning to end’
It’s a curious and fascinating task to review Derren Brown’s Showman, because the master of illusion, misdirection and psychological trickery asks the audience to keep the content of his hugely successful show a secret.
How exciting to be able to give nothing away; but then again, what can you say? Without referring to the content of the tricks themselves, if we’re talking about the mortar and not the bricks, there is actually still rather a lot to report.
Firstly, his crowd work is sensational from the off – and as a former student of the University of Bristol, his early remark about being happy to be home certainly goes down well with the Hippodrome audience.
is needed now More than ever
Derren Brown in Showman 2021/2022 – photo: Mark Douet
The opening sequence takes an entirely original angle on a mainstay of shows like these, which instantly entrances everyone in the 2,000 seater auditorium.
And then we’re off, with an intensity that doesn’t let up for two hours, but also that rare and prized feeling as an audience member that you’re in the best hands; you can sit back and enjoy. Unless you end up on stage, of course.
The design of the show is as consistent as Brown’s consummate stagecraft. Now with over 20 years of live shows under his belt, Brown is a veteran of his trade, and he clearly thrives on the palpable energy that he can summon in the room.
In the silences, you can hear a pin drop; everyone is captivated. And he’s very funny, too. Little jokes, improvised or not, are completely on point, and Brown’s charisma, emotional intelligence, and gift for talking to his audience sets him far apart from any one else.
Derren Brown in Showman 2021/2022 – photo: Mark Douet
In fact, it’s hard to name anyone else in the same breath, because what you’re watching in Showman is a maestro play his instrument – only that instrument is us, the audience.
This show is unambiguously Brown’s most personal to date, and alongside the majesty of the illusion, it is replete with nuance, wisdom and emotion.
It doesn’t matter if you think you know how it’s done, or you’re completely dumbfounded; right until the very end, he’s always several steps ahead of you.
But while I went in fully prepared to be amazed, and to laugh, I didn’t expect to find myself crying, too.
Derren Brown: Showman is at Bristol Hippodrome On May 24-28 at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on May 28. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com.
Main photo: Mark Douet
Read more: Derren Brown gears up for Bristol on his smash-hit ‘Showman’ tour
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