Derren Brown returns to London this September with Underground, a compilation of the illusionist's best bits from previous live shows, for a limited run of 35 shows.
Derren Brown is a renowned psychologist and illusionist who started out performing close-up magic in restaurants and cafes whilst studying at university. He eventually got his big break with his own Channel 4 TV series Mind Control, which saw Brown demonstrate his extraordinary abilities to a nationwide audience.
His stunts got bigger and better. In 2003, following the first full series of Mind Control, Brown played Russian roulette live on television. Through a careful vetting process, he acquired one member of the public to place a bullet into a revolver, so Brown would not know where it is.
A series of shows and live specials followed and in 2005, Brown’s first major live show premiered – Something Wicked This Way Comes. This opened new doors for Brown, who has since performed live shows at the Garrick Theatre, Hammersmith Apollo, Adelphi Theatre, Palace Theatre and so on. His shows proved hits; Svengali and Something Wicked This Way Comes won Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment, and the films of the live performances pull in millions of viewers when screened on Channel 4.
Underground is a compilation of Brown’s favourite bits from all his past shows, condensed and structured into a brand new production. It ran at the Charing Cross Theatre earlier this year, and will run at the Playhouse Theatre in the West End from September.
12 images I’m not allowed to tell you anything Derren Brown did last night, it’s a secret. Here is what I can divulge: he is the most charismatic and talented worker of stage and audience there is. You’ve likely crossed Brown during one of his television specials in which he claims to ‘predicts the lottery’ or ‘sticks the nation to their chairs’. Implausible, right? It’s easy to criticise his... Read more
Derren Brown is a master of his craft, wowing audiences across the country with his bamboozling mind tricks. This month, he’s returned to the West End with Underground, a compilation of tricks from previous shows. We spoke to Derren to find out how he put the show together, what he thinks of being called a ‘showman’ and why he loves acting. You’re back in London with what’s basically a ‘best-of’ show. How did that come about?
