Derren Brown's new show, Only Human, made its debut at Birmingham Hippodrome, and it left this polite sceptic utterly speechless. The master illusionist delivered an epic, thought-provoking performance that had the audience flabbergasted and in awe of his magical prowess.
Whether you are a firm believer, a cynical sceptic, or someone on the fence about his hypnotic and masterful on-stage trickery, this latest performance will leave you genuinely scratching your head. You will wonder how on earth he did it.
Audience Participation and Stage Effects
The show relies heavily on audience participation, but as Derren himself says, there is no pressure to take part. He throws a frisbee into the crowd, and you can pass it along if you desire. His acts are brought to life with flashy, cinematic stage effects that work brilliantly in the tall theatre of Birmingham Hippodrome.
Themes of Humanity
Without giving away any secrets (I genuinely do not have any, unfortunately), the clues to his new show are in its name: Only Human. Derren explores themes of what it means to be human, which tugs at your heartstrings.
I will make an honest admission: I was politely sceptical about his stagecraft beforehand, having never seen him live until last night. But I left the show hugely impressed. Now I can admit I am not a disbeliever anymore; I just genuinely do not know how he pulled off his acts.
And that is the beauty of Derren Brown. It is okay not to know. Instead, I realised it was about being present and engaging in a blissfully wonderful experience, sharing disbelief with the audience around you. That can be family, friends, or total strangers.
One thing I can guarantee: you will leave the theatre with a huge smile on your face.
Only Human is appearing at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday, June 13.
