Showman, the latest live show from Derren Brown, is a masterclass in magic and illusion.
Running for four nights at Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre, this is a show that you will not regret going to see.
Derren has been well loved for many years for his mind-bending illusory skills and is still as sharp as ever having first appeared on TV back in 2000 with Derren Brown: Mind Control.
As with all of Derren Brown’s theatre shows, audiences are sworn to secrecy with the events that take place – making my task of reviewing a little more difficult than usual.
However, I can say that Showman impressed on a number of levels.
In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best shows I’ve seen in my life.
Perfect setting
It may have taken Derren a little longer than anticipated to bring his new tour to Aberdeen due to Covid (its first date was due to start during the first lockdown in March 2020).
But even though it wasn’t quite the studded lights of Broadway that he talked of relishing in the accompanying programme to the show, the traditional features of His Majesty’s Theatre offered the perfect setting to experience Derren’s work live on stage in front of a packed Aberdeen crowd.
ABERRRRRRDEEEEN!
If you’re coming to Her Majesty’s next week… @APAWhatsOn… pic.twitter.com/2AmLJaCQTu— Derren Brown (@DerrenBrown) May 8, 2022
Subliminal messages were a must to look out for before the show began, aware of the complexity behind Derren’s previous work I’d seen on screen.
But as I took my seat, I hadn’t anticipated just how good a show I was in for.
Connection with audience
Derren mentioned in our preview to the show that Aberdeen crowds were always good for live events.
This certainly lived up to expectation on the night.
From the get-go, the audience were made to feel integral to the show rather than mere spectators.
Derren’s signature frisbees were in full swing hooking up willing audience members to the stage and the trust he instilled in people seconds after meeting them was wonderful to watch.
Plenty of laughter also hurled out around the theatre as Derren dished out his quick-witted humour.
But from a personal viewpoint, it was clear how much more of a presence was felt watching the live show in the flesh rather than behind a TV screen.
The intimacy, energy and presence generated was captivating from the first minute to the last – I couldn’t take my eyes off it.
The two-hour performance duration felt just right and the mixture of emotions – from bafflement to shock to amazement – encapsulated the diversity of the performance superbly.
Personal touch
As well as all the thrills, there were also genuine, heartfelt moments in Showman which left a lasting impression.
It’s evident why Derren describes this as his most personal theatrical show to date.
The life advice and empathy he exhibited brought a sense of grounding and reality to the show.
It’s these personal touches that really made the performance feel so special and underpinned why Derren is so successful as a multi-award-winning performer.
Mesmerising performance
To sum up briefly whilst being sworn to secrecy, Derren Brown’s latest show will leave you feeling mesmerised, perplexed and wholly uplifted by its conclusion.
Elements of the performance linger in your mind well after it has finished as you try to figure out just how he does it.
And though you’ll never truly know, that’s the whole point.
Not knowing all the secrets allows you to expand your mind and marvel in the magic that Derren Brown has built his career upon.
He’s a thrilling showman. And Showman is nothing short of perfect.
Derren Brown – Showman is at His Majesty’s in Aberdeen until Saturday May 14. Click here if you wish to purchase tickets.