Sheffield Lyceum – until 15th October 2022
Reviewed by Sal E Marino
4****
High drama started a day before Derren’s show at the beautiful and always welcoming Lyceum theatre, Sheffield, with a cryptic message he sent via email and linked to social media. This could have been missed by some if they do not have access to above but was certainly intriguing for those who do.
Without revealing any content of the show, I can say that it was full of intensity and there were some truly wow moments! The audience were full of fun and up-for-a-laugh and ready to play any game or challenge that Derren suggested. Personally, I found it a little confusing that certain restrictions and requirements were made on the volunteers who came up on stage and rather unnecessary in our current climate, especially when we all sat very happily together in a fully packed-out theatre. Perhaps I missed the point and it was part of the ‘story’?
Mr Brown’s delivery was slick, clear and amusing at times. His use of a camera to share the ‘action’ so that we, the audience, felt nothing was hidden from us was genius and certainly gave more credibility to most tricks / acts. Some audience members were invited up on to the stage to perform with Derren more than once which didn’t work for me – as it seemed they were getting more susceptible and influenced by the ‘magic’ each time – making it less genuine. However, using the same people could mean they are more in rhythm with Derren’s energy and the story-line so that it makes it better for all.
I definitely recommend Derren Brown’s Showman tour to anyone from teenage years up as it certainly does get the old grey cells working and the cogs turning if you enjoy mystery, drama and intrigue. A really great night out – highly-entertaining!