Derren Brown - Only Human

Apollo Theatre

Be prepared for this show; it will have you involved, shocked and questioning what is real. Derren Brown controls the audience with his great stage presence; it is nothing like what you've seen before.

TRIGGER WARNING! This is a show unlike anything you will have seen before, unless you know what Derren Brown's style is. I highly recommend looking into the show and trigger warnings as much as you can to ensure this is a show suited to you. I do feel there should be some more trigger warnings before entering the theatre. It plays with your mind, controls, and manipulates your thoughts. Some scenes can also be very triggering and nerve-wracking. Especially if you have suffered from any panic attacks or cardiac conditions, I strongly urge you to look into the show before buying tickets.

BUT this show really has you thinking. It is fantastic, and if you are someone who is comfortable with interacting with shows, then this will be your cup of tea. It has you wondering whether it is real or not the whole time. If you are a sceptic like me, then you will find this show completely and utterly baffling. I would indeed go into the details of this show, but... It's a secret, so if you want to know what it's all about, then you'll need to go and see for yourself. Derren Brown has you wondering what's coming next the whole time, and no card is left unturned; everything ties together, and it's done fantastically! As someone who knows of Derren Brown and has watched a few of his television shows in the past, but not many, this show was not what I was expecting! I was absolutely blown away.

Derren Brown knows how to work the audience and keep them on their toes. He makes the theatre feel comfortable, and the audience feel close. It's hard not to turn to the person next to you to see what they think! He has you sucked in to the show and waiting in anticipation the whole duration. There is no moment that feels empty or unplanned. In terms of it being a theatre show, it is meticulously planned down to the second; this amount of detail is admirable and magical! What a show! Every design element also works well; it all blends perfectly and creates the images that Brown is trying to create. There are so many visuals that make you feel a certain way and question what's going on.

My only criticism is that I think it should be clearer for those who could find it uncomfortable; the trigger warnings need to be around the theatre and a bit earlier, just to ensure that audience members who may find moments difficult can enjoy the show with the comfort that they will be aware of when to dip in and out. That being said, Derren Brown can put on a fantastic show, keeping the audience engaged the whole time, just by himself. It is incredible, and I was blown away. If you are all about the SHOCK factor and like a bit of illusion, then this is the show for you! What a unique experience.