The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Derren’ s plea to fans ahead of HMT show
Derren Brown has a favour to ask fans heading to see him in Showman at His Majesty’s Theatre this week… take along something that has special meaning to you.
“Bring with you, if you have one, a small object that has sentimental value, maybe even something with a bit of a story behind it, but something you can hold in your hand,” said the hugely popular master of mind control and illusion.
But quite why the multi-award-winning performer needs you to bring your precious item is under wraps – as is his whole show.
The content of Showman is a closely guarded secret – even though Derren’s “extraordinary demonstrations of my voodoo” is now up and running as it tours the UK.
Every night, he swears his audience to secrecy about what they are going to see and every night they keep that promise.
That is something which is surely extraordinary in this day of social media where people post everything from what they had for breakfast to their cat sleeping on a couch.
“You’re right because as technology increases you’d think it would get harder but people really do (keep it secret),” he said.
“A couple of thousand people a night just don’t (give anything away), so I’m always really amazed and very touched by that.
“I think the only people who don’t, hilariously, are magicians who I think have a bit of a thing about wanting to list the tricks.
“So the only time I find people not sticking with that is within the little magic world of forums and things.”
One of the few things we do know about Showman is that Derren continues his routine of throwing a Frisbee out into the audience so people who take part are picked at random. And he has a personal reason for doing that.
“Personally, I hate to be dragged up on stage, so given how much I hate it, I throw Frisbees out to choose people, which means it’s the easiest thing not to get involved.
“If a Frisbee lands on your lap you can just pass it to the next person.”
While not giving away specifics, Derren does say Showman is his most personal theatrical show to date, with themes about what is important in life.
“It’s probably more emotive than previous shows I’ve done. I’m 50 now, so it’s a grown-up show in a way that ones weren’t when I was younger,” he said.
“There are a lot of reasons this one feels quite special and different to me and it’s very nice that it’s been so well received because of that.”
Derren Brown’s Showman is at His Majesty’s Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday – and don’t forget to take something of sentimental value with you!
For more information and tickets, visit aberdeenperformingarts. com