Bradford and Sunderland’s First Night
Bradford boasts one of the finest Waterstones in the whole U of K, and it was a treat to tuck myself right up inside it for a hot choccy and a bally good read. St George’s Hall is a lovely, cramped and creaky old place, but sadly not quite suitable for the show, which looked far from its best. (Many of the important bits and pieces the theatre were supposed to provide were not in place, so I imagine we may switch venues next time we play Bradford).
The audience was definitely not a theatre-savvy one (plenty of getting up to go to the loo and so on), so I caught myself glaring uncharitably at some offenders who were shattering the atmosphere for the audience at the wrong moments by noisily getting up and squeezing past people in their row. Such things don’t affect me on stage, but it’s infuriating to put all the work into the show and then have a few people spoil it for large blocks of the audience by treating it like casual TV watching. You have my permission to throw your drinks at these people if they annoy you. Rant over.
Despite this gripe, the shows were fun. It feels like a very intimate venue and everything went well enough. The audiences were comparatively quiet but I enjoyed both nights.
Went to see Clash of the Titans on the second day, which, despite its infuriating confusion of mythologies (Arabic Djinns? In Ancient Greece?), and re-envisioning Acrisius as Perseus’ father (to presumably help work in the now exhausted Hollywood father/son reconciliation cliché), I enjoyed a little more than Jennie and Iain, who are deeply devoted to the original. Performances not great, but it feels affectionately done and there are some fun sequences to keep it from dragging. For whatever my thoughts are worth on the subject: which is next to nothing.
The huge Sunderland Empire gave us a great first night: still a few boisterous and incontinent audience members but a fun show. It’s a tall place: the people up in the balcony must have been suffering from all sorts of vertiginous nasal hemorrhaging. My microphone died on me and Coops came out to fix me up with a new one, while the audience watched, presumably convinced it was part of the show for some reason. Apologies to any of you for that. Keeps us all on our toes, though.
About to head off for tonight’s extravaganza. What japes. If you’re coming, have a little wee first. Cos we’re now not letting you back in if you go out…
x
I was at Sunderland last night in one of the upper balconies, after reading the blog I’m not at all surprised you didn’t allow people to leave the hall. It’s entirely not cricket!
Adored the show though, i wouldn’t stick around to meet you though as you genuinely terrify me. Good show though! I’m already recommending it to everyone i see!
It’s a relief to hear that the backstage guys at the Sunderland Empire know what they’re doing. I remember when I went to your show and a guy shouted out at you the answer to this massive build-up you had prepared. Unfortunately, the actual person who was supposed to give you the answer was my 70 year old mum who has the smallest voice in the world. That, plus the mic not working just would have screwed up the end of the show, so maybe the lary guy was a blessing in disguise. Hope you have fun tonight. 🙂 x
i went to the Bradford show first night, i had seen the show in Manchester about a year ago and i noticed the atmosphere wasn’t the same but it didn’t matter to me, last time i was right at the back at the top and regretted not bringing binoculars, this time i was apparently the first to book tickets and am pleased i did. It was a very ‘cosy’ venue but it was amazing to be so near and to be able to see what was going on. So thanks for a really brilliant show. x
Derren!
Little gutted that Bradford was such a disapointment for you, but to be honest it is Bradford, i’m sure this is why most people think twice (or not at all) before bothering to grace us with their presence! But you did and although the venue was less than ideal the six of us had an FANTASTIC night and tried to be a jovial and wee-free as possible! Go to the loo before the start of the show and you shouldn’t need it again until the interval unless there’s something wrong with you! Why would you want to miss any of the show anyway!? Idiots. Anyway here’s a cheeky hint…Alhambra next time! Much better venue all round, larger stage and PERMINENT seating, always important 😉 perfect for the frisbee throwing.
P.S. **SPOILER REMOVED*** ?! Hehe 😉 xxxxxx
first night in Bradford was amazing apart from the drunken couple behind winging all night cant wait for the next show here in Bradford ill be first for my tickets
Hi Derren
Can’t wait to see you on the 8th in Milton Keynes……. I promise not to interrupt by visiting the loo….. and would be happy for public humiliation if I did……
Keep up the good work….
Simon
Hey Derren 😀
We loved seeing your show for the second time in Bradford on Sunday!
The show was just as brilliant as the first time in Grimsby!
Although you are probably right about it not being the best theatre for the show.
We were trying to work out the tricks but to no avail, they are all so cleverly done.
We agree with a switch….either the Alambra or come to Leeds next time!!! 🙂
We would have been up for the rotten fruit throwing as we were sat right at the back of the stalls so saw everyone in that area that decided to go to the toilet!
We were both good though and waited for the interval like normal people should!!
Hope you liked our present and it was great to meet you afterwards! (We love that flat cap of yours)
Good luck for the rest of your shows!
xxx
My wife and I loved Sunday night at Bradford. we were too afixed to your show to see the comings and goings. I had the honour of being on stage with you for the ***SPOILER REMOVED*** routine. damned if I know how you dud that! Superb from start to finish. Thank you so much for coming. We will certainly come again.
I went to see Derren in Bradford on 1st night, front row, stalls. Literally 5 feet away from the stage!
I must say it was one awesome show, I didnt think id enjoy it as much as I did, albeit with Derren nearly hitting me on the head with a black board!!!
The theatre itself is a tad dated, and the chairs very uncomfortable, but fantastic show all the same.
I do think Leeds should be your venue next time! 🙂
Sunderland was a brill show – and was worth the trip south of the river!
Please come to Newcastle though
x
So excited for the belfast show next week!! i’ll be the one stalking you. xo
Go to the loo before the show starts tonight. Check. I’ll make sure my friend does too.
We’re suitably near the front (both rather nervous about that!) so hopefully no people with bladder issues can get in front of us to ruin things. We’re even going to make sure we’re on time this time too!!! Public transport (public transport problems between Newcastle and Sunderland – who’d have thought it?!) made us a bit late last time which was a bit embarrassing. Thankfully we were up in the ‘nosebleed’ section so not many people saw. I’ll have to make sure I eat too or all anyone will be able to hear is my tunny rumbling.
Great show at Sunderland. May have created the first Enigma divorce as every sentence to my wife for the last few days starts, How did Derren…? Suprisingly she can’t answer me!
Hi Derren,
Just to say we had a brilliant night – we were at the Empire on Tuesday 6th – 3rd show ive been to, but it was my girlfriends first. We were sat right at the front … it was my best mate Stephen who you involved in the ***SPOILER REMOVED*** game… I couldnt help but laugh when he said “my mind’s gone blank”.
He was bricking it being picked all day, and to grab him from the off was genius, it was like you knew 🙂
Looking forward to the next show already!!
Paul
Was at Bradford on Sunday. A different venue next time would be welcome as the grand tier seats appeared to be designed for Stewie Griffin and those of us unlucky enough to be above average height or weight were in considerable discomfort. Despite that, the show was simply awesome in the true sense of the word.
My lasting memory will be just how nice Derren was to those of us who waited to meet him after the show (missing our last bus in the process! Didn’t get home until 3am). It must be a hassle for him to wade through all of us sad stage door folk but he really went out of his way to leave us with a smile.
If you happen to give this a glance, thanks so much Derren!
I totally agree about Bradford, my partner and i were in the upper tier, and the amount of people talking and getting up was ridiculous!!! It’s a Derren Brown show for heavens sake! sit down and watch him work his magic… literally! amazing show though Derren!!! We were blown away, as with every other show you’ve ever put on! Come back to Bradford ASAP! 🙂 xxx
How damn rude of people to keep going to the loo during the show. It even says in the programme, ‘Make sure you go before the show’!!! Tut…Honestly!
Question for Derren and admin:-
Has Derren ever had a precognitive experience?
Yes or no is a preferable answer otherwise more elaboration is welcome.
Cheers
Having seen this show 5 times & will be seeing it again in a month, I agree St Georges Hall in Bradford is appalling seating throughout, seating looks like something from the war years, the venue holds around 1600 people in seats designed for people no taller than 5’7 & about 12 stone, the other theatre is the Alhambra which holds only 1400 but is far more comfortable &a better stage.
Most comfiest venue I saw the show for seating was Harrogate last year, however the stage was far too small, they just dont seem to be able to get the correct ratio in theatres these days do they, punters never realised about the stage as Derren made it work!
I have enjoyed watching the small tweaks and changes within each show as it has grown, regardless of the theatre, the shows have always been Superb!
Thinking about my other comment, it was probably the cramped seating that caused the wanting to nip to the loo all time lol!
Hehe – I was convinced the microphone thing was part of the act as well! Have to agree about the noisy folk, but overall a great night.
P.S. You know Sunderland Empire is the stage where Sid James died?
Night 2 of sunderland … people still getting up and going out AND being allowed back in. There were even people walking onto the stage during the performance. Your best live show yet. Thanks. Yikes, Sid James is DEAD?!
But Derren is the man of the mind-control. Can’t you just “stick them to their seats” and prevent them from going to the loo.
When you are sitting there and reading this, you slowly start to realize that YOU ARE STUCK TO THE CHAIR. Every second that passes you can feel yourself GETTING STUCK TO THAT CHAIR. TIGHTER AND TIGHTER STUCK TO THE CHAIR, as if YOUR ASS IS STUCK TO THE CHAIR. And when you have to pee you will JUST STICK TO THE CHAIR and pee there. You will begin to notice a nice warm feeling that allows you to STICK TIGHTER AND TIGHTER TO THAT CHAIR. So nice and comfortable and warm as you are there SITTING AND STICKING AND WELDING AND BONDING TO THAT CHAIR.
Was at the 2nd Sunderland night (Tuesday 6th April) – bought my tickets last September to get best seats – right at the front. Incredible show. Hugely entertaining. I have sussed how a lot of it is accomplished, but this in no way diminishes Derrens showmanship and delivery. I was amongst the people on my feet for the well deserved standing ovation. Hats off to Mr Brown
Hi Derren,
Just been to the last night at Sunderland with my mum – our first time at one of your shows and it won’t be the last! Really should be asleep but too busy finding sites like this to become apart off!
Excellent show!!! And wonderful setting – The Empire or vampire (?!) as my mum kept calling it. I was lucky enough to be half a dozen rows from the front in the stalls (birthday present from my mum) and I was close to joining you on stage but I ***SPOILER REMOVED***.
Also, you must let us know where you hang around just after the show as we headed straight for the car afterwards but meeting you after would have been awesome – next time though yeah?
Anyway, thanks for great late birthday trip out as it was 4th March and like a few other people – any chance you can play Leeds sometime? Preferrable while I’m still doing my PhD there? I was lucky that my mum lives near Middlesbrough so Sunderland wasn’t so far from there.
Catch you soon – keep up the great work and as I always say to people keep :)ing x
Totally agree with the rant. I’ve worked on productions and seen how crappy audiences put off the performers.
I was at the show in Sunderland last night. As a Newcastle United fan and commentator I took my life in my hands so I hope you appreciate the sacrifice! Joking aside i really enjoyed the performance. In this day and age it is rare to get value for money and I left fully satisfied. It is not something i look too deeply into. I watch your shows but never search for an explanation. I enjoy being entertained and you certainly entertain me. I felt the theatre let you down. 1 gents toilet for a 50-50 audience? £1:50 for a packet of nuts? Come to Newcastle sir! The Theatre Royal would welcome you with open hands! Would save me having to sit in the Bridges car park for longer than your show to get back to the promised land. Lots of love and admiration Steve and Dawn Wraith x
I hated the show (naah just joking)(Sunderland 1st night), I found it AWESOME in the correct sense. I’m 50+ (so remember when Sid died) and I got my son tickets for xmas (before he moved to London!! so he travelled up specially for the event. I booked early and found that only seats left were up in the Gods, it’s usually red hot and steamy up there and the compulsion to jump gets me, so opted for limited view in the stalls, end of row B could see 95% but not the screen, but very close to goings on and didn’t need binoculars!!
Derren is a very personable bloke with great stage presence and the Empire always feels like a family gathering, we’re like that in the North. Didn’t realise you were signing or would have got my sons poster signed. I snook out for p when mike failed! shame of it !
Was at Night 2 in Sunderland…. Glad that there werent MANY people getting up and visiting the toilet.. but there were a few. Unfortunately I had to sit in front of a girl who constantly asked questions “what did he say”, “What was that?” “How did he do that” and her boyfriend/partner… continued to answer…
UGH……
Amazing show tho Derren. Great to see your work is still as original and intreaguing as ever. Would book tickets to the next show again in a heartbeat….. Hopefully get a bit closer this time !
Caught the Monday night show in Sunderland with my family and we all had an amazing time, so hard to explain without giving away spoilers so will just say I’ve been telling everyone they need to see the live show as soon as they can, Cracking night, even with the maccums getting up to pee every 5 mins!
dave: I’m not an admin, but in his book, he says he hasn’t experienced anything paranormal himself, so I’d guess that’s a no. Why do you ask?
I was at the bradford performance and found it rather infuriating people standing up and going to the toilet in the middle of the performance it was really annoying especially for those of us that can sit still and enjoy the show to the interval. I say sit still maybe that was a wrong choice of words as it was very difficult to sit still in those very uncomfortable seat with everybody cramped into the room as we were. the venue is not appropriate for this type of show especially with Derren become increasingly more popular. there is an article in the telegraph and argus in Bradford today with them moaning about Derrens “rant” wonder how different there opinions were when they saw the comments abover that they quite rightly agree with what Derren was saying. may be alhambra next time!!
I went to the Sunday show in Bradford and was sat in the Grand Tier a few rows from the front. Thankfully I’m only 5ft tall, as the seats were clearly designed for hobbits and not people! However, I had a good view from where I was, apart from the two people who clearly couldn’t tell the time (I felt an urge to shove them over the safety rail at one point, but decided against it because I don’t think I could cope with a night in a police cell!).
It’s a real shame about the article in the Telegraph & Argus because it somewhat misses the point, which was that despite all the incontinent and other inconsiderate people, it was an absolutely brilliant show which was a real pleasure to watch. I only hope that it doesn’t dissuade Derren from returning to Bradford in the future.
Tee hee; Sphincter.
We were at the Bradford show on Saturday and some people in the audience were SO annoying! I’ve never been in an audience that fidgeted so much, talked through the improtant bits and had such weak bladders. Show was fantastic though – absolutely awestruck – pity about the seats as our view wasn’t birlliant and the sound could have been better but still a brilliant night! If you want a different venue in Bradford try the Alhambra…
Derren, just wanted to say thanks for a terrific night’s entertainment at last night’s show and for the lovely message on my programme. I was very careful not to give anything away at work today but a few people hadn’t heard you were at Sunderland so they’re going to see if there’s tickets for the June date. I think I upset some female colleagues when I mentioned that you’re gay though. Thanks again, Michelle x
Was at the Sunderland show last night with my wife celebrating our wedding anniversary. Just want to say what a thoroughly entertaining show, superbly delivered Derren. It was our first time seeing you live and we will definitely be back to see you in the future! Good luck for the rest of the tour.
Have seen Derren on the tv many times and always enjoyed the show. Managed to get front row tickets for Sunderland Tuesday, and the live show was even better than tv!! Derren obviously puts alot of work into the show and the evening was thououghly entertaining from start to finish. We have no idea how the different acts were pulled off and were truly amazed from start to finish. The audience participation was really entertaining, and the standing ovation at the end of show was truly deserved.
All in all it was a class act and good value for money, looking forward to the next tour!!
Hi Derren 🙂 Your Sunday show in Bradford was AMAZINGG!! I’ve loved your work for a while, but that was by far, the best xD Hehee. I was in 2nd row, in the centre block, Near “Ben” Who you spke to xD Thanks for a genius night! Pretty fuckedd i didn’t meet you after 🙁 But You Were Incredible 🙂 Come To Leeds 🙂
I was at the Bradford show on Sunday & thought it was absolutely fantastic. If the show wasn’t at its best due to the venue it must be mind blowing normally.
Im a regular at St Georges & have never been to a show where so many people had to get up to go to the toilet. Next time you should make a point of humiliating them!! Wonder if everyone had been drinking all day due to it being bank holiday the next day. I can’t believe people can’t last for 1 hour, its so rude & inconsiderate.
Good point about Waterstones too, its nice to see Bradford being put on the map for something positive for a change!!
Thanks for coming & we hope you come back to West Yorkshire
I totally agree about these people who can’t seem to hold their bladders at least until the interval, and then again at the end of the show . These people (and you know who you are:( ) are worse than children. You are rude and inconsiderate. It was the same at the Hull New Theatre when I went to the show there. VERY DISTRACTING. F.G.S. sit down, sit still, enjoy the show and let eveyone else enjoy the show without your wriggling. Empty before and after NOT DURING. If you can’t do this,don’t spoil other people’s entertainment…just don’t bother coming in to watch the show.