Derren Brown: Only Human
Review by Martine Silkstone.
When I was offered review tickets for Derren Brown’s latest tour - currently playing at Ipswich Regent Theatre - I jumped at the chance. I have long been a fan, and love his mix of magic, showmanship, psychology and illusion. And his shows are not just mind-blowing from a “how did he do that!” point of view, they are also funny and highly entertaining - and occasionally somewhat shocking! A guaranteed great night out.
But how do you review a show where you can’t talk about any of the content, because to do so would ruin it for those that follow?
I’ll give it a go…
Derren Brown’s latest tour is titled ‘Only Human’ and, as with previous shows, it sees the self-titled psycholgical illusionist tie the threads of a background story together through a variety of set pieces, which display - among other things - traditional conjuring techniques, hypnosis, cold reading and the power of suggestion.
It’s slick and fast-paced and spectacular.
From the very start, lighting, projections and sound all combine to instil a subtle sense of unease, while Derren’s calm, quiet voice and gentle comedy invite you to lean in closer.
Yes, his easy warmth and charm draw you in, but - like the Child Catcher offering free lollipops - all is not as it seems. He is manipulating the room through laughter and tension. For he is actually the puppet master, always precise and in control. If he appears to have made a mistake, he hasn’t. If it looks like it went wrong, it didn’t. Free will? Not with him around.
He commands the stage, but more than that - he commands the audience.
Often literally, as audience participation forms the core of the show. Some are willing subjects, some chosen by the throwing of a frisby; some are undoubtedly sceptics, some started as sceptics and by the end are sporting an expression of profound bewilderment.
And ultimately, all of his puppet strings - all of those set pieces - cleverly come together in a neat little bow.
It’s dramatic, theatrical, intelligent and, arguably, therapeutic.
Derren Brown is a consummate showman and this is entertainment for all - even if magic is not your thing.
As always, I left feeling lighter somehow, and happily astonished - though with a small-but-growing suspicion that he is really some kind of undercover warlock, using his real magical powers to fool us all.
Only Human? I remain unconvinced.
So, anyway, that’s all clear then.
Still don’t know what to expect? Sorry about that. All I can say is go see it - and prepare to be astonished.
Derren Brown: Only Human is at Ipswich Regent Theatre until 18 April 2026.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE