Derren Brown gets personal and emotional as he shows off his Showman powers
I HAVE always wanted to believe that hypnotism and magic were all just sleight of hand and audience plants.
But after Derren Brown's Showman, I can no longer say I still hold that view.
His latest show, which has finally landed in the West End, touches on subjects we are all familiar with - love, loss, grief, and a need to belong.
Many of us have seen his specials on TV, but seeing his impressive illusionist skills in the flesh is something else.
He opens the show by whittling down the audience to a single member who is invited on stage - using a phone call.
Then, when they are surrounded by a spotlight they suddenly slump and fall into a sleep - I dare reveal nothing more as I don't want to have the ire of Derren following me around.
What I can say is, this show feels substantially more personal than any of his performances through the screen.
He carefully raises some of our most personal emotions but in a tender way rather than to see people make fools of themselves.
If you think not being on stage will save you from his skills in trickery and mind changing - think again.
His power reaches into the audience, and at one point he tells those to leave who don't want to fall under his spell.
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You'll enter as one of hundreds with no connection - and by the end, you'll feel part of something larger and connected to everyone who has shared your experience.
Showman
Apollo Theatre, London
★★★★★