Review: Enigma: Derren Brown, The Playhouse

Published on Tuesday 8 June 2010 09:52

Enigma: Derren Brown **** The Playhouse

DERREN Brown isn't like other magicians. You have the "comedy" magician, such as the late Tommy Cooper, a great British favourite whose shows revolved around intentionally flawed, simple tricks; then you've also got the pretentiousness of grand-scale illusionist David Blaine.

You'd struggle to find synergies between these acts and Brown's, but like both men you'll either love or loathe him.

Just a flick through the programme reveals some early digs at those in the audience "who never leave their homes at any other point during the year", or those "too obese to make it through your own doorways". So, not a great start.

You've also got the allegations of blank ammunition used during his televised game of Russian Roulette, held up as an unforgivable act of deceit by his detractors; a pretty serious accusation given the inherently dishonest nature of his trade.

Why, then, would you bother parting with 30 quid to see him tonight?

In a word, entertainment. Brown has carved his own niche by removing a layer of traditional magic circle secrecy and replacing it with an explanation just as intriguing as the trick itself.

Using the first half to talk the audience through the psychological techniques behind apparently inexplicable mind-reading, or letting you into one or two old trade secrets, there are inevitably a few similarities with past shows also co-written and directed by long-time collaborator Andy Nyman.

For anyone sensing familiar territory, there's confidence, quick-witted humour and – most importantly – accuracy in his "mind-reading" exploits to keep you enthralled.

Straight psychology, the power of suggestion and an ability to read body language lie at the heart of this performance.

Without giving anything away, the second half heralds a shift in persona from chummy iconoclast of the magic world to mysterious illusionist. On tonight's evidence it's hard to deny Derren Brown's reputation as the consummate showman.

Run ends today