Derren Brown: Showman At Liverpool Empire Review

Reviewed by Rebecca Wong

I went to see the Derren Brown: Showman with zero expectations. I’d seen Derren Brown on TV as most of us have, but I had no idea how what he does could relate to the live theatre environment. From the start, there was a tension in the air within the theatre; everyone fully aware that they may become part of the show and a sense of going into the unknown. From the very beginning a screen gave us instructions we were to follow and the show started with a mind-befuddling sequence of events and instructions that left everyone looking at each other in confusion. Then, our worst fears were met and an unsuspecting member of the audience was summoned to stage. What a start!

The scene was set for a continuous serving of mind-blowing, shocking and sometimes surreal illusions and tricks. Just when you thought you’d figured out the ‘how’ Derren skilfully removed the possibility, just as you thought you were immune to the trickery Derren drew you right into the illusion. The show was a brilliant night of entertainment that left us all chatting within the theatre as we left asking each other “did you see that?” “what was your experience?” as we discovered that we all had a different experience of the same show and leaving us with even more questions than we came with.

Throughout the show ran a thread of a personal story from Derren around his father, this gave the show an emotionally charged feel and Derren skilfully weaved the story throughout to help open our minds and access our emotions. Derren Browns stage presence, the lights, sounds and the stage set up made for a wonderful atmosphere that was a mixture of suspense, excitement and warmth.

If you attend the show you will be sworn to secrecy. So I won’t disclose any of the details. Its up to you to show up if you dare, be a part of the show if you are willing and be ready to be wowed whether you like it or not. This was a fabulous night of entertained that challenges your mind and causes you to question what you think is possible.

The Liverpool Empire was the perfect venue for this show. It’s not too big which gave the show an intimate feel and made every single member of the audience feel like they were very much a part of the show. The staff were so helpful and it was also lovely to see an absolutely packed theatre which is a first for me since COVID. Not only that but to see a standing ovation at the end showed how much people appreciated the magic that Derren brought into our lives that evening. He certainly left us all wondering and wanting more!

The show can be seen a Liverpool Empire until Saturday 4th June. Don’t miss out. This is a unique experience that will challenge you in ways you didn’t think possible.

Tickets start at £23 and can be purchased from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/derren-brown-showman/liverpool-empire/.

Rating:  I give it a 5/5 as I think everyone in the theatre did. It’s the perfect night of escapism in a crazy world!