Magazine


Review: Derren Brown, The Lowry

by Rachel Broady
14/ 4/2005

I'M not someone who is easily scared or would consider ganging up on someone because they're odd - but on Monday night I nearly invested in a pitchfork and burning torch after seeing Derren Brown live.

I have seen him often on television and been both entertained and stunned by his mind games but at this show I found myself uncomfortable applauding such disturbingly clever manipulation of an audience of more than 1,500 people.

But I did applaud, loudly (despite being paranoid and convinced that I probably would've done anyway because he'd convinced me too).

I found every second compelling and was either on the edge of my seat or sinking back so as not to be noticed.

The live show seems incredibly simple at first with just a few props on stage and the audience participation that leaves you "oohing" and "aahing" as expected but it's only as the show goes on that you realise just how cunning - and barmy - Derren Brown is.

We were told not to go into detail about the show because it would ruin it for others and I agree that it would (but I'm not sure if that's because Derren convinced me to).

I won't give away any secrets but will say that the usual mind-reading appeared and proved as fascinating as ever but by the second half - when it is suggested that it is too much for under 12s - things start to get far stranger and uncomfortable. This is where I applauded but felt like I was watching a freak show and really shouldn`t encourage such behaviour.

By the end, when I realised just how manipulative he had been, I realised that if we were we living in less tolerant times and fearful of such activities our Derren would be burned at the stake.

I don't think we should do that, obviously, but after this show we should all keep an eye on him. If only because he's so incredibly entertaining.


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