Losing The Voice. The fundamental fear of any touring performer.
After a week in Oxford working and rehearsing 10am-3am for a week, and then shouting every night with barely an evening off, the voice started to suffer. If it packs in, we have to start pulling shows, which is a nightmare to be avoided at all costs.
The first casualty is the signing queue. A few years ago, there were never more than fifteen or twenty people at the stage door, sometimes only four or five. Now there are normally seventy to a hundred lovely people who have decided to hang around in often freezing or rainy weather conditions to say hello and have me scribble illegibly on their programmes and/or chesty-parts. Already I’ve noted with sadness this year that this means I can’t spend the relaxed time I previously enjoyed chatting with people after the show: to get through so many people means something of a conveyor belt of scribbling and asking people to take photos as we go along rather than stop. On top of this, the tour schedule is relentless and with several 6 am starts, so the pressure is on to get back to the hotel and wind down and get what sleep might come my way.
So there were a few nights when I was unable to come out and sign, and there will be a few more on tour, I’m sure. I know it makes no difference to anyone who comes on a rare night that I can’t come out, but rest assured I do make more of an effort than most performers to spend time at stage door after a show. Most, sadly, devise ways to avoid people completely. I hope that in a run of around a hundred and fifty shows I’ll be forgiven a few where health issues dictate I have to sneak away to a warm bed.
Now some of you may remember the chocolate martini fun from last year in Newcastle. This year on arrival, I was greeted by the Mal Maison with Chris (the bar manager’s) latest version of what I now like to think is something of a classic. So top marks to them. The George Shaw exhibition at the Baltic in Gateshead (apologies for considering it to be Newcastle on Twitter) was just stunning. It may still be running. Running and stunning. Edinburgh provided the usual bright, lively and gorgeous audiences that it’s known for. The huge Playhouse was packed out every night and was a particular joy. I met up with my pal Richard Wiseman and had an excellent lunch at the Café Royale, which, I decided, is where I would spend every afternoon if I lived in Edinburgh. What a great city. I also bought there my first cravat. After a few weeks of tucking my scarf inside my shirt and quite liking the foppish look, I am now the proud bearer of a spotty, sporty number. It’s my ‘thing’, I’ve decided.
‘Derren Brown? Who’s that?’, people will ask. ‘The cravat guy’, others will answer.
Getting to Scarborough with our massive set and trying to get it into that theatre for the show time caused the same problems we had in Grimsby. The show went up very late again. It’s hugely embarrassing when this happens, and enormous, heartfelt apologies to those people who had to ask for refunds due to time restrictions. We have a harsh tour timetable and a walloping, time-demanding set which are not very compatible, and when we meet a theatre which is tricky to set up in, we do everything we can with all the tireless extra crew we have summoned, but have now twice been unable to make the start time. It was a real testament to the ladies and gents of Scarborough that they were still a hugely delightful, lively audience after that horrendous wait. Last night there also brought a series of odd outbursts from a lady in the stalls who then had to be asked to leave… a bit of drama, all rather exciting.
We’re now in Sheffield, after another horrendous ‘get-in’ and realising that one of our major props had been severely damaged the night before on the way out of Scarborough. These setbacks caused us to start a little late and Coops to confide it was probably the worst day of his working life, but we got there in the end and the show went well. Today I am writing with Iain, my co-writer, on next year’s TV projects. Finally, I am this morning visited by a mysterious flatulence of Wagnerian magnitude; the length, breadth and depth of which is pleasantly pervading the breakfast foyer of my hotel. Sadly, having arisen quite late, I am eating alone: my generosity is passing unnoticed. Perhaps I’ll come out to sign tonight only to be sent straight back in by the queue.
Love your blogs! I can’t imagine any other entertainers fans being made to feel so special. We love you! Hope the throat improves soon.
I’ve never been part of one of Derren’s autograph queues but there are a fair few videos of them on the usual famous video site. Personally, I think Derren’s amazing for actually making the effort to come and sign at all because they look awful! Hoards of well-meaning people all clammering for a piece of him, just so he’ll sign their pile of objects or they might be one of the lucky ones that he’ll pose for a picture with. As much as I love Derren and think it’d be wonderful to have the opportunity to chat with him, I’d feel embarrassed to be a part of that. He’s only human. It’s great that he’s popular, but it kind of makes me feel sorry for him that the sheer numbers make it such a conveyor belt of autographs instead of the relaxed, chatty fan contact he’d probably much prefer.
Derren, I did wonder whether the strange outburst from the lady in the audience at Scarborough was actually part of the show?! Thanks for clearing that up!
I can not believe Derren has never owned a cravat. I am sure he will look stunningly comfortable. I am, in a way, looking forward to never meeting and admiring him from a far on stage, page and screen. I of course wish him well and hope the tour continues to be great and can not wait for next year where I hope to see Svengali.
Thank you for a wonderful show in Edinburgh, I was once again blown away by the set and your performance… get well soon x
Get better soon! I’m waiting to see you in Plymouth on the 28th
end of uni forever celebrations, and I’ll drag my taller half to the stage door…take care of yourself Mr x
After seeing Derren’s live shows quite a few times I have met him on several occasions to get bits and bobs scribbled on. Whether it be a quick hello or a nice chat like we had last time discussing the remarkable value of his books on Ebay (which I had just purchased!), its always a great finish to an excellent night and I’m sure any true fan won’t be left feeling too sad if he has to make a quick escape due to a bout of the lurgy. Hope you’re feeling better soon Derren
Jammy: I have been part of the signing cues since Evening of Wonders, when it was just five of us there and I chatted with Derren for a good 15 minutes until he had to leave. It’s kind of sad that that’s not possible anymore, as he really is a lovely person to talk to, but I can’t begrudge others the chance to meet a performer they love. I think it’s wonderful that he still takes time to sign, and I must admit that I do still stand around for a picture and maybe an autograph. It’s kind of become a part of the experience to me, although that might be a horrible thing to say about something that’s really only a kindness on his part.
I do hope the touring experience is still pleasant to him. It seems like such a draining thing to do, it’d need to be fun for everyone in order to keep going.
Hi Derren,I was fortunate enough to see you perform at the Edinburgh Playhouse and was completely blown away.Your performance,stage presence and rapport with the crowd made for a fantatstic evening. So glad you enjoyed playing in Edinburgh,hope to see you again soon!!!
Dear Derren (Cravat guy) Brown
You poor thing. Sounds like you could do with a week off, I hope you have a point in the tour where you all have a bit of a break, I know Coops works very hard too, what with driving to the venues as well, you must all be exhausted.
It’s so generous of you to give your precious time after shows to spend time with fans, I’ve always said how much more appreciative of your fans you are compared to other performers, it means a lot. You weren’t able to come out and sign the night I came to see your show in Woking but I don’t mind, I’d much rather you were tucked up in bed, resting than standing out in the cold, straining your voice further so that you’re able to continue performing for the next show.
Ha, after sitting outside discussing weither or not to ask someone if it would be worth waiting to see you we got sent round the back on monday evening. There must have been about 30-40 people there atleast and a 3rd of them crowding the door which seemed rather uncomftable for anyone to come out of or go into. I think that any actual fan of yours should be alone happy to see you on stage never mind in person (As that would just be a bonus) But after standing in the cold for about 20 minutes being able to end my night sitting by the sea on a clear night i cannot see how anyone could complain. It was a brilliant show, the lady who got dragged out… I do wonder what she left you in the bin. Plus you forgot about you scratching your head, knocking your mic and having to strip somewhat. : )
I’m coming to see you today in Sheffield and really hope to meet you after the show! It would make my year, scrap that, my life.
Derren,
Your Edinburgh (27th) show was amazing, you are indeed a true showman and perhaps evil genius! We also ate at the Cafe Royale on the morning before your magical trickery and it was a fantastic little place. I’d just like to thank you as my girlfriend, Jenna, was selected by frisbee for part of your show and she still hasn’t stopped talking about you! I’d bought the tickets as part of her birthday gift .
Also, I would like to ask how on earth you think I am going to top that for a birthday present next year??
Many Thanks,
Scott
I’m sure you have all manner of doctors and people taking care of you but here’s a little something that will help if you haven’t already tried it:
Some lemon tea to which ginger juice has been added.
The ginger is important. It’s a little sweet but sucking on crystalised ginger is very good too. I’ve always found it to instantly clear up any throat issues.
Take care dear x
New tv series!!??
great stuff!
I’m sure you are enjoying the tour even though it sounds extremely stressful I saw Svengali at the start of April and I’m still confused by it!! Oh and by the way I just read your interview in Reader’s Digest, “Blonde Bombshell” along with the mini Derren photo made me smile!!! Ixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi derren, i was at your show in sheffield last night and was lucky enough to catch the frisby but you said i was one of the 5% of people you couldn’t do it to. Just wondering why that is because i’m fascinated as to why you were unable to read me.
Lovely blog post as usual, Derren.
Most of us who meet you at the stage door think of it as a privilege and an honour, not a right. We’re always aware how tired and worn out you must be after putting so much into each performance that it’s never taken for granted that you’ll stop and sign.
But I always find it so sweet and immensely lovely of you that you always take the time to apologise (via whichever medium) when you can’t.
You truly are so wonderfully kind & thoughtful when it comes to your fans. Don’t ever change.
I hope the voice doesn’t continue to plague you too much and I wish you much enjoyment out of your new cravat!
Take care
LC x
Worrying about something that is worsened by stress of any kind, although counter-intuitive, is the opposite of what you really need to do. If you have to cancel some shows (the “leave” of: Adapt, Change, Leave options for stress), the world will not end. although some people you’ve never met might be disappointed. If you push yourself and things get worse, it may feel far more like the end of the world for you, and even worse for those disappointed people. Time to rest, time to work, in balanced amounts!!! If you work too hard, eventually you will need to heal hard, avoiding that, is prolonging and perpetuating. Please take care of yourself Mr. Brown!
Saw the first Scarborough show and it was well worth the wait. If you don’t have tickets for the tour get some – you won’t be disappointed.
Love the fact someone says they were ‘blown away’ by the show when it sounds like you could be blown away by Derren now! I would be delighted to see a revival of Le Petomane if you feel so inclined, Derren.
Firstly loved your show in Sunderland
it was the first time I had seen you live and I like many was blown away 
your right not many people do that especially with that amount of people so thankyou very much for taking the time Derren 
After the show alot of people were waiting by the stage door (near the 100 mark) including myself to get either an autograph, photo or both lol and you were genuinely lovely with every single person
Anyways rest up, get well soon and continue to blow people away with the awesomeness that is Derren Brown xx
Awww Derren, I love your blogs! It was such a pleasure to meet you in Grimsby
The foppish look definitely suits you!…I’m surprised you’ve never owned a cravat!
Good luck with the rest of the tour, I’m sure it will be brilliant. Get well soon xx
Hope you feel well soon, Derren!
Hot water with honey, fresh lemon and ginger, as well as anything with vinegar in it will work wonders for a sore throat.
In the meantime, you have a stylish new cravate to distract from any voice-related explosions or disappearances
Enjoy the rest of your tour! x
*cravat
You’re such a trooper and I find it truly amazing that you are so willing to stand outside venues and speak to your fans – it really is appreciated by those of us who do take the opportunity to hang round the stage door! Loved the show in Edinburgh, hope the rest of the tour goes well and that you feel better soon. x
I’m amazed at the detail and depth of blogging in times of such illness – Derren you are a true performer and I can’t imagine any other entertainer/stage star spending so much time communicating with their ardent audience, even to apologise for things that are clearly out of your own control! Bravo once again Derren, I left the show on Saturday in Edinburgh on an absolute high and am kicking myself now for not waiting behind for a chance to meet you!
Didn’t catch a frisbee but am waiting in hope – there’s always next time!
Hi Derren, I met you last night after the show and you were charming to say the least. Jason
Hi Derren
So, has Sheffield changed much since you studied here?…I’ll say!
I’m in eager anticipation of seeing you this evening!!! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got up your sleeve (not that i’m suggesting that that’s where you keep your props
Ask someone to buy you some Tyrozets from BOOTS, they should really help your throat (my Grandad always told me that for a sore throat you should gargle with Whisky…But don’t spit it out!!)
Hope you’re feeling better soon, and that you manage to make it out after the show for a few snaps and scribbles that’ll make a few people’s days!!! x
Ahhh *huggles* get well soon.
maybe its the Alpen thats causing them. Im hopeing to be able to see you again in Manchester next year, tho havent booked yet
Ive always thought a well timed fart is the funniest thing in the world, accept for the really smelly ones of course, but Im sure yours smell like little perfumed bath bombs
Take care xx
Get well soon. Liking the sound of the cravat. Very dapper Sir.
Jammy- Did you come to the conclusion that queing to meet DB was embarrassing, before or after you read his book…?
I can only imagine the insidious effect that this has on the live stage shows. This happened to you last year and although fans were and will be disappointed at not seeing you afterwards i’m more than sure they would rather you save the voice for the show. Given that this has happened for the last two tours you could maybe somehow incorporate it into the actual show? Snippets of audio in lieu of your voice? A flamboyant game of charades perhaps lol who wouldn’t like to see Derren trying to mime Miami Vice. Anywho hope it feels better soon and that you grace Ireland with the new show.
I just put down your book to come read your blog and I’m forced to summise that you write like a pro. Good luck with the tour and throat, cravat guy
You were amazing in Edinburgh, Derren – love you so much
it’s the closest I’ve ever sat to you, it felt awesome to be so close to a genius like you! I love how you make us laugh at the same time as performing everything else. I was blown away by everything you done, yet again!… I had the urge to stalk you after the show but my friends were having none of it haha! I hope the voice holds out and good Luck with the rest of the tour, you genius, you! x
I enjoyed meeting Derren last year, I’m not really interested in the autograph but it’s great to chat to him about the show and his painting.
They say never meet your heroes – how wrong!
Good luck with the writing Derren.
All the best,
R.
After the announcement stating that you will not be allowed back in the auditorium if you leave. There was a feeling of I really need the bathroom NOW. Great subliminal effect even if it was just the beer and cold breeze! (I did get back in)
I was really puzzled by the strange lady at Scarborough. As she walked passed the stage she said “I’ve left something in the bin for you!”. I assumed that in the climax of the show a huge explosion from the rear of the theatre would follow. How disappointed I was when there was a lack of vintage plaster work to pick out of my hair. Excellent show and by the sounds of it, glad I saw the 2nd night.
Btw dont feel too bad about not being able to sign after the shows I think most ppl understand if you’re not feeling up to it, when I saw you at Liverpool there must have been over a hundred ppl outside and you signed everyone and you were nice to everyone and you must have been there for about half an hour or more, some performers only do a few then leave and anyway you’re often performing for several nights so if they were desperate to get an autograph they could always drop by the following night at the stage door
What an absolutely amazing show last night in Sheffield!! I don’t know how you do it Derren but – you did! Elliott and myself had an amazing night – please continue everything you do! Love all your tv shows, live shows, books, artwork, etc… you are my hero! (as terribly cheesy as that sounds!)
Met you after the show for a rather fetching photo – which I think is really kind and genuine that you take the time to meet, greet and smile constantly with everyone after the show – when you probably just want to get to bed! But very much appreciated. You’ve put a huge smile on my face – which should get me through the rest of my revision – so THANK YOU!
And although you didn’t seem too ill last night with the amazing performance you did.. I hope you get well soon
Thanks again!
@Jammy – Well said.
Personally, I’ve met the guy twice from backstage queues (Different years), and DB has on both occasions been lovely. Although queing for a scribble of a signature I find strange, it is nice to convey how much the show was enjoyed, but Twitter is good for that also. I find it even more strange when people continually go 5 or 10 times to have more things signed (Or is this often an excuse to meet the guy?) Whatever the reason, there are people who have never had the chance to meet him and tell him how much they enjoyed the show, and I suspect this is due to the volume of people waiting. I think signing for fans is admirable, but if DB needs to rest maybe he should think about resorting back to posting out signed pics instead, I’m sure his fans would understand.
So much for your vaunted magical powers, if you can’t fix a simple bad throat.
I’m starting to think it might all be trickery and showmanship.
You were worth waiting on the conveyor belt for xx
Was slightly gutted to read that lovely Derren could not come out to sign after all the performances (will be going to BIrmingham on 18th woohoo!), but I am more than happy to have met Derren twice already backstage – what a perfect gentleman he is
with all the performances he has scheduled I’m not surprised the throat has gone poor poppet! Derren your brownies forgive you, you are far too lovely for your fans to get annoyed! Get better soon Xxx
Strange outbursts? Haha, wonder what she was saying, lol.
It’s fantastic that you always make an effort to come out and see your fans and chat to them, and you make us all feel special and important. Yes……you are amazingly lovely. We all know that. Don’t worry, we get that sometimes you need a rest, or you might be feeling under the weather. 
Hope your voice gets better soon.
Ugh, I can’t imagine how distressing it must be to lose your voice when you’re a performer. I hope it gets better. I love your voice!
Your loveliness and generosity does not go unnoticed. xxx
No, please. no! My wife and I have been waiting avidly (not in a weird way) for the show on Friday. Everyone concentrate well-wishes on Derren’s throat – forget anything else in the world occupying your thoughts, you must think only of sending anti-inflammatory vibes toward El Cravatisimo – ‘cos that kind of thing really works, innit.
Hi Derren,
Thank you for taking the time to come out and sign in Edinburgh (27th) Even though I did blether a load of old nonsense but you know why x
It’s lovely of you to even come out at all as most other performers wouldn’t even waste their time
and the majority of us understand that.
I do hope you don’t put too much pressure on yourself.. We know how much you value your fans but please take it easy sunshine
Di
x
It’s vital that you rest your voice!!
Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Derren. Shame you have to suffer that every time you go on tour – isn’t there any method you can use to help support the vocal chords the way actors and singers do – argghhh!, a bit frustrating it is I’m sure.
The Baltic in Gateshead does tend to have on wonderful exhibitions most of the time, in fact, I never liked contemporary art much, (ashamed), until I came across some on display there – know I only hate a small to moderate portion of it
.
Good luck with the rest of the tour, and I hope Coops is feeling more cheery today after last night.
Jaqueline: Do you mean people that rejoin the queue? Or people that go to several shows, and join the queue every time? Because I’ve been guilty of the latter… I saw Enigma twice, with different groups of friends, and we went to the stage door both times. I’ve seen Svengali once and will probably see it twice more, again with different groups of friends. And I’ll probably join the queue (…I feel tempted to add ‘of shame’ now
) again if my friends want to. To my defense, we do hang back and let those who haven’t seen him before go in front. And I only ask for an autograph (on the programme) the first time I see a show, obviously — the other times I just say hello and takes pictures of him signing my friends’ things.
Ive met derren a few times, at the stage door after enigma, where he signed my book and we had a lovely chat about my part in the show, and had a photo with him. Then met him at a special evenin I had the pleasure of being invited to. Then at cheltenham, where he signed the new book and we had a long chat after the signings and he was genuinly the most lovely, friendly celeb ive ever met….hes not like a celeb at all, very down to earth and likes a good chin wag. Hes very funny and a pleasure to talk to. Id love to meet him again, but as the crowds at the stage door are so large now I choose not to do it, because I do feel sorry for him…plus, I count myself very lucky for having met him already…its other ppls turn
Amazing show in Sheffield last night. great to meet you after too, and knowing the extra strain it creates makes it all the more appreciated. I’m sure people understand when it’s not possible. It may seem a conveyor belt but being on the other side it was a very much appreciated and still personal interaction. Svengali is a stunning and pleasantly bewildering experience, well done and thanks.
Derren you put on a wonderful show in Edinburgh, and I truly hope you can include this date on future tours! As for the voice, I once lost my voice, and as a salesman it was a bit of a knock! I gargled beechams powders 3 times a day and had plenty honey, in warm water to hand. It got me through! Good luck with the rest of your sh
Oh Derren we are so looking forward to seeing your show tonight. I am taking my daughter as a surprise as its her 21st birthday this July. I have always been so intrigued by everything you do and with enjoyment and pleasure and NOT trying to work out how you are managing to do such things but sit back and continue to enjoy with wonderment!!
Thanks Derren
Jackie (& a surprised Jeni when I get her to the City Hall later)
xx
hope we get to see that cravat. and i hope it helps yer poor throat.
After a delayed start at the Futurist Theatre Scarborough on Sun. 1st May, we finally got let in and made way to our seats…The show was meant to start at 7:30pm but didn’t start until 8:45. You did however, apologise at least twice, once while the curtain was down, then again when you came onto the stage. The show however, was worth every second of the delayed start…..Well I’d been waiting since I got my tickets in December, what difference was another hour and 15 minutes going to make.
X
I enjoyed the show so much, I was tempted to buy more tickets for Monday’s show.
I hope your throat gets better soon, and wish you every success for up and coming shows. I also hope that you will visit Scarborough again, sooner rather than later.
All the best.
I was at the show on Sunday in Scarborough that was late and would like to say the show was worth every second we waited for it and any fatigue certainly did not show in your wonderful performance. Also on behalf of Scarborough a huge thank you for coming at all and also perservering to perform the show for us. Also thanks for being the kind of performer who tries his best to come out after the show, I met Derren after the show and he was a great guy, even though it was late. I do hope it wasn’t the Futurists fault that your prop broke and hope you can come to Scarborough again in the future, especially as the Futurist is in need to be saved and improved in order to attract acts like Derren for years to come!
These have helped me when I’ve lost my voice:
http://www.healthstore.uk.com/p410721/traditional-medicinals-organic-throat-coat-tea.html
and
http://www.chemistonline.co.uk/vocalzone-pastilles-24-c-123-p-5556
As a singer, I know what a nightmare loosing your voice can be! Hope you feel better soon.
I’ve always been pretty much Derren’s biggest fan- the fact that he makes such an enormous effort to meet his fans only makes me adore him more! I can honestly say I’m devastated that I didn’t know if Derren was doing a signing after his show at Norwich; I don’t know if he was doing one, but if he did I am so sad that I wasn’t there! Keep going Derren. You’re beyond amazing.
Derren,
I know you must be worried about your throat and about pulling shows!
Please, don’t worry about not signing autographs – anyone, who has had the pleasure of meeting you, considers it an honour to have met you (I know I do)! You’re one of the few fantastic celebrities that does actually sign after shows, people should consider themselves lucky if they get to spot you afterwards, not complain because they didn’t! I hope you feel better soon, please try that ‘Honey & Lemon + Hot Water’ drink – I think it’ll really help your throat.
(I also tweeted you this exact message yesterday, but just in case you didn’t get to read it, here it is again)
Lots of love, Ella X
I came to see the show in Liverpool as unfortunatley I had already bought tickets before you announced the venue in my hometown of sunny Scarborough. However, the show was utterly outstanding and you never seize to amaze me!
Thank you for being so lovely to your fans, we truely appreciate it xxx
I did however come down to the futurist on the last day you were in Scarborough just to meet you as it is my dream to meet you, so was hugely disapointed to hear you weren’t coming out due to your sore throat. However, I know you are genuinely sorry and disapointed, and really hope your throat gets better for the rest of the tour! My time to meet you will come
I was in the Monday night audience at Scarborough, I also initially thought the ‘shouter’ was part of the act. You handled it brilliantly. Loved the show.
Hi. I was at your show in Sheffield last night. Thank you for a great show, wish I was there again this evening. Hope your throat is better soon.
I’m coming to see you on Saturday Derren, so I hope your throat holds out until then.
You can then have a bit of a rest on Sunday
Hello Derren,
I hope your “wagnerian” gift will reach the general direction of those rudely complaining about your not coming out after the show on your FB page.
Look after yourself and hopefully you will get better soon, especially for your London dates
XX
Hi derren saw the show at scarbrough it was fantastic don’t worry about being late never Evan noticed you were its rearly good that you take time too talk to fans and your feet are still fixed to the floor there are a lot of performers could learn a lot from u keep up the good work hope you get better soon
Hello!! …. Dezza is far too polite by far. …. Give the guy some breathing space,
I was also in the audience on Monday night @ Scarborough. I’m another one who thought the ‘shouter’ was part of the show, kept waiting for her to reappear… Still intrigued at what her beef was??
I love your live shows, great entertainment.
Hi Derren,
I saw your show in Edinburgh and was utterly blown away by it. I didn’t get a chance to meet you after the show as I had to dash off to get my train home but that was also a night you had to rest your voice. I hope you don’t lose your voice completely. I know how bad it is when you lose your voice. It happens to me every couple of years and I can’t speak for at least 2 weeks. A nightmare for me but a blessing for those around me lol Have you tried honey, lemon and whisky to soothe your throat? No idea if it cures it or not but after a few glasses of whisky you don’t really care anyway
Hope you are back in tip top condition soon.
Wishing you every success with all your endeavours and thank you for bringing such mystfying entertainment to us all.
Love
Julie
xx
Sad to have missed the Edinburgh show, but still hoping it’ll come to Glasgow one day. Flatulence is positively encouraged here!!
Great show at Sheffield tonight! If you were feeling under the weather with your throat then you managed brilliantly as you seemed to give it 100%.
Good luck with the rest of the tour x
Great show on Monday In Scarborough Derren was fab to see you work your magic live ! Had hoped to catch you after to sign my book ’twas freezing at that back door lol but more sorry to hear you not well so healing hugs on their way and here’s to next time!
)) x
Thank you so much for a fantastic show in Sheffield last night – absolutely amazing! II loved every second of it.
Derren,
I am coming to see the show tomorrow (Stoke) with my twin sister and our friend, we love everything you have done so far and we have all been looking forward to the show since we booked our tickets last year (can’t wait we are on the 2nd row!!) . Your right about not many preformers coming out of the stage door to see their fans, it shows how down to earth you are and how appreciative you are. Even though you haven’t been out after a few of your shows I will probably stand near the stage door anyway just incase. If you don’t come out we totally understand. You obviously work hard on your projects and it shows, so get well soon and i wish you the best of luck for the rest of your tour. xx
Dear Derren,
I’m very sorry to hear that you have a sore throat loosing voice. It’s pity that you have to spend so much time
setting the stage each night. Your ability,competance,knowledge and your skill is always amazing that
you’ve created your own brand no one can copy what you’ve done so if you concider your next new stage show you have to think something simple less commitment spend as less time as possible. Your health is priority. Remmember Yuli Gela had performed with one spoon and it’s magic !
Cravat were worn by 17c Croatian in French troop. I think it’s very smart looking especially Derren wears.
Please take care of yourself. I always wish you good health.
Best wishes with lots of love xxx
Julie – I just meant it’s sad that what started out as a lovely relaxed chat with a handful of fans has turned into a bit of an autograph scrum. There’s one particular video where, judging by the number of autographs DB signs and the way he is with the crowd, there were obviously a LOT of people there. He’s having to sign for person after person, and be quite strict that people move on when they’ve got their signature. The fans comment to him as he’s signing, and he politely laughs or makes brief comments back, but the focus is on the signing and tbh he looks a bit frazzled. The size of the crowd means he’s like an autograph machine, not a person, so, sadly, there’s little time for the personal communication that was probably the reason DB started coming outside in the first place.
Dear Mr. Brown,
Just wanted to drop you a line to wish you a speedy recovery and to thank you for all the entertainment and food for thought. You inspired me to devote a cautionary – and longwinded – blog entry to Scottish “psychic” Derek Ogilvie, who’s extremely popular over here in Holland.
Best wishes,
Nancy
Having a sore throat comes with all those yucky feelings associated with flu or ‘man-flu’ we could call it in this case. I personally hate sore throats and all the ailments that come with it so I can understand where you’re coming from. Personally I think I’d cry if i made the effort to come see you and you couldn’t make it, so the day I go you better be fit & well haha
Well that’s unless you want to see a young man standing in the rain crying because he couldn’t meet you. 
Oh I do hope you feel better soon! Please don’t fall ill on the first of July though! I’m coming from Liverpool to see your show as a surprise birthday present for my boyfriend. I’m keeping it secret but I am so exited! It’s been a hassle booking hotels and transport but it will be so worth it!
And as for meeting you, well that would be an honour, but I appriciate you need to rest!
All the best, Rebecca
you should meet my friend. he’s known as cravatman and even has a football shirt with that name on it.
Although I think it’s marvellous that you sign for the masses after shows, there’s just something a bit weird about thrusting bits of paper in your face to sign so I’ve never joined them – no matter how much I’d love to have a photo taken with you. Hoping to just randomly bump into you one day! Cx
Went to both shows at Sheffield and i bought tickets for a friend & his mum who recently lost their dad.
The show was brilliant and it was a real treat for me to see them both going through the usual range of emotions you expect from a DB show; shock, awe, puzzlement but above all, laughter.
Thanks for a great nights entertainment and I hope the sore throat improves. I can recommend Dequacaine lozenges. Nothing beats them.
Hope the throat will get better very soon, and I admire so much your determination, devotion, and consistent hard work! You are truly a legend!
Wish you all the best xxx Cynthia P/S: I enjoy reading your blogs and twitters a lot, get to know you more without having to queue lolz :”>
The show at Stoke last night was amazing, me and my friend who went to see it with me haven’t stopped talking about it all day! It was even better than Enigma, and Enigma was fantastic
It’s funny, scary, thrilling, exciting… just awesome all the way through!
We were lucky enough to meet Derren at the stage door after the show, and he signed my friend’s programme and my pack of cards, and was really friendly and polite to everyone. We did feel a bit sorry for him though, having to sign about 70 people’s merchandise after performing such a long show with such energy and enthusiasm. Not many other performers seem to care about their fans that much, so it’s nice that Derren goes the extra mile, and it’s well appreciated
I wonder if you ever read any of these comments, or if someone does it for you !?! Either way, I just need to type out loud what a top show it was. I was in Scarborough and my mind was blown. Amazing. Its my first taste of you and you were both an amazing performer and a fantastic down to earth,lovely man. Well done.
Also, I really hope the prop wasnt damaged by one of our lot!!! Heck.
As the person above said, thanks for coming to the Futurist, we do need to prove the right acts can pull the crowds as it is at risk of closure. You proved that, twice. Thanks.
Carry on doing what you are doing.
x
Hey, men’s neckwear is cool since Doctor Who started wearing a bowtie.
But your ‘thing’ is the goatee, surely?
“Derren Brown? Who’s that?” stupid people ask.
“The guy with the goatee,” we all reply.
(Also mind-reading powers. They’d be classed as a bit of a ‘thing’, I think.)
Hope your throat gets better.
Derren and team,
Last night I saw Svengali at the Regent Theatre in Stoke. I’m glad to say your voice was loud and clear, Derren.
Though this is simply echoing the tens of thousands, I would like to thank you for a fantastic performance. Right from the start to the conclusion, it was jaw dropping . Most performances require months of prep, but considering the thought, the energy and the extensive planning to pull off what you all did (no spoilers coming), wow!
If you missed this year, get tickets for 2012. Well worth it.
All the best
Dan
Jammy- I do agree with that. It’s a shame there’s little chance for proper interaction now. I’ve been in the Queue of Shame
twice, once for Enigma and once for Svengali and I think that’ll do me personally. The second time was as you said, too heaving with pushing people to really do anything but say thank you. It must be very difficult and Derren B shouldn’t feel obliged. After all, very few other performers do. 
But that said I completely understand why people would go back a few times on different occasions, it can be a bit addictive. 
Jammy- Also meant to say, the first time I saw h for a signing there weren’t many people to plenty of time to gabble rubbish at him
but the second time recently, there was quite a surge of people. It may have been due to location although both were at large major cities but it could also be down to Derren’s increasing success and word of mouth. So still bad that it puts pressure on him and makes signings more difficult but kind of a good sign in a way. Every cloud.. 
Saw your show in Sheffield, and thought that it was terrific as usual. I am very appreciative that you do stop to spend your time to see us after your show and sign books etc. especially your older ones that I missed getting signed at Blackpool a long time ago. Even though you only manage a couple of words with each of us it does mean a lot and demonstrates what a nice guy you are. If you do miss a night due to health/exhaustion we will understand, a 6am to 11pm shift is not something many of us would do day after day. Hopefully will get to see you again in 2012.
Hi Derren
Just a quick note to say I saw you at Edinburgh and it was fantastic! My brother and I got tickets as a Christmas present and it was well worth the 5 month wait.
Sorry to hear you had troubles in Scarborough – that’s where Im from and my Dad went if it helps he was at all put off by the wait!!! Anyway must stop procrastinating and go back to the Arabic revision.
Thanks again for a great show!
i watched your show about faith healing, i have been involved with these people, you are a turtle man, they are with you, as Nathan spoke out to the congregation, your turtle man almost jumped off you, but, i could also see certain members of the congregation were also wearing someone, the man Nathan is wearing a dimensional, as you are, these beings are directing you, i have attended faith healing operations, the preacher was wearing dimentionals, they stood at his back, these people hype up the emotional energy in the room, (the secret). they actually think they are doing good, the room i was in wa full of what they had removed from those attending, they never cleanse the room, just re-infect it.these jinns jumped on to my leg. the church is just after money, preying on the desperate.
‘Lynda Hail Met says’ what now?
Julie & Berber Anna – No, I can understand why people are tempted to hang around the stage door after the show.
I didn’t mean my ‘embarrassed’ comment to come across as any kind of criticism of those in the queue – I just meant that that’s how I personally would feel because the whole autograph thing makes me a bit uncomfortable. Sadly, I suspect Jacqueline has a point that the size of the queue may put people off who haven’t yet met Derren but would love to – it certainly does for me. Hope Mr B still enjoys meeting fans, anyway.
Hello everyone we are three guys from Holland. We booked tickets for derrens show Tonight in Birmingham, but unfortunately our flight is cancelled because of a plane malfunction! We are in serieus stress at Schiphol at the moment. Our next plane flights at 19.00 so we won’t be able to make the show! We wonder if anybody can swap tickets for tomorrow’s show with ours tonight. Or if you have any other idea to help us, feel free to share! Help! Victor Middelkoop 0031-618880546 or vmiddelkoop@gmail.com
You could of bottled that flatulence and offered it as cosolation prizes to those that wanted a piece of you but failed to get near you in the autograph queue.
Wot fun twisting the lid and hearing an almighty perp.
Charlie (mrs)
Derren, i am exhausted by your amazingness!! What you do is utterly incredible, i respect you so much. I’ve been a devoted fan for years now but have never seen you live, i’m hoping to next year for my 19th – can’t wait!
You write so beautifully, your blog posts are always such a pleasure to read( just like your books which i can’t put down!), your so open and honest and genuine, not to mention hilarious, sweet, modest, kind….. i could go on and on! The fact that you even get a chance to blog for us all is astounding – it’s very much appreciated, as is your generosity! And i really hope your throat feels better soon.
Keep on taking over the world with your mind bending brilliance, you remarkable thing, you.
Loads of Love
Leanne x
hope you get better soon!! me and my mates are coming to see you on 3rd of june! cant wait to see you!!!! loving your art work too and just loving you xxx
Hey Derren,
Me and my girlfriend Emma came to see Svengali in Birmingham on the 11/05/11 and loved every second of it. We also loved getting up on stage and being apart of your show, thank you very much you have created an extremely amazing memory for us both
it was a fantastic experience couldn’t of asked for a better show, we will be defiantly be coming to see you again in the future. 
Thanks
Matt & Emma
xx