2003–2004

Derren’s first live stage show was Derren Brown Live, which toured throughout the UK in 2003 and was then extended into 2004. He was described at the time by Empire magazine as “the closest our galaxy can boast to a Jedi Master” and as “the greatest dinner party guest in history…or the scariest man in Britain” by the Guardian.

‘Derren Brown Live’ Reviews:

“Brown’s real talent is for taking a single effect and turning it into a drama that has you on the edge of your seat. A lesser mind-reader would simply reveal the name, picture or number of which you’re thinking and take their bow. Brown stretches it to its limit, though at no time does it become tedious or tiring. His sense of timing is perfect and his comic asides at times produce belly laughs. Yet he ensures his volunteers are the stars of the show.”

Extract from Magicweek.

“While on TV Brown downplays his role in proceedings – which may be a sleight of hand in itself – here his personality is to the fore, helped by a witty script and some unobtrusive direction. And what comes across strongest, aside from the unfailingly impressive feats of memory and suggestion, is a wryly self-aware sense of humour. Here he knocks the ponderous, self-aggrandising stunts of closest peer David Blaine’s into a cocked hat.”

Read the full Review in The Stage.