Review: DERREN BROWN: ONLY HUMAN, Apollo Theatre
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
The mastermind of mentalism returns with another magnificent masterclass.
For generations, audiences have been obsessed with travelling theatrics who claim to have otherworldly powers to see into the future, contact the dead and read minds, all for paying crowds keen to believe these entertainers are more than just human. Derren Brown has always been equally intrigued by this genre of entertainment, but he has spent his career turning these tropes on their heads, debunking the bad-faith actors among them and instead illuminating the psychology behind why we are all so fascinated by mentalism. For that, principally, is what Brown is: a mesmeric mentalist.
As is his tradition, for his eleventh stage show, Derren Brown has specifically requested that no direct references to what happens in the production be shared in reviews, to avoid spoilers and allow future audiences to enjoy this unique theatrical experience. What can be discussed is the craftsmanship and care that go into these stage shows, delivered by a fantastic design, lighting and audio team, all led valiantly by Brown, a showman with a love for the history of theatrical illusion and performance.
His ethos is not to humiliate, merely to have fun with his consenting audiences, using his incredible talent for reading micro-expressions and vocal inflections to extract information from them and reiterate it back to them, to their utter delight. He is also a compelling force of influence, able to subtly redirect others' thought processes with charm and skill to give his audiences a once-in-a-lifetime memory of exhilaration and wonder. Also important to state is that Brown conscientiously, regularly gives trigger warnings throughout the show to keep audiences reassured and safe.
Before the show starts, several self-recorded videos of previous audience members play on the large safety screen across the front of the stage, conveying their awe and amazement at themes from previous shows that have followed them into their lives. What is particularly charming is that, in an Instagram age, these videos are intended only to be played for future audiences immediately before they are welcomed into this secret club; a tantalising teaser of what new audiences may also feel after their show. Then, both before the performance, during the interval, and throughout the show itself, there are multiple opportunities for audience members to become directly involved, either through written card prompts, random selection or their own unconscious volunteering. This is more than just audience participation; it is an interactive communal experience intended to amaze, thrill and occasionally shock, and it succeeds in all three measures.
Now in his fifties, Brown has moved away from his more vaudevillian Svengali routine towards a more reflective outlook, pondering whether Nostradamus really did predict the future and whether Brown himself can teach ordinary people to do so in their own lives and become masters of their own destinies. Highlights include Brown playing an audience wide, real-life version of the boardgame Guess Who? in which he enables the audience to become amateur, forthright detectorists, all through the power of suggestion. There are also opportunities for some audience members to become the very centre of the show in big set pieces. At all times, Brown seeks to empower people to become the heroes of their own stories, even if the journey to get there may seem a little unsettling at first.
As always, Brown is the consummate professional and, alongside his fellow writers, Andrew O'Connor and Stephen Long, scatters metaphorical breadcrumbs throughout the show that weave together a narrative right under your nose. The scripting for Brown's show is so meticulous that his every perceived aside and micro-flinch has its own meaning and intention. You almost wish for a second Derren to be sitting in the audience, able to read the first's sleight of hand and misdirection.
O'Connor also directs the production, or should that be misdirects, with masterful skill, ensuring the tight structure is always maintained but never fully visible, as surprises are neatly hidden within Simon Higlett's stage design. As the show hurtles towards its conclusion, Brown is visibly giddy with excitement as the breadcrumbs start to form a solid path and the bigger picture is revealed.
This is a slick, fast-paced spectacle that will have you slack-jawed throughout. Brown is the undisputed master of his field, and long may he reign.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Phil Meikle
Derren Brown: Only Human continues at Apollo Theatre until 30 January, with further info here.
