Derren Brown describes himself as a psychological illusionist and mentalist (essentially another type of illusionist). It is important to remember that he does not claim to have any psychic or magical powers. However, his show ONLY HUMAN was of such complexity and intrigue that you were left wondering if this was some kind of double-bluff, because if it wasn’t not magic, it sure as hell at times looked and felt like it!
Brown’s own website and show publicity stated ‘The content of ONLY HUMAN remains tightly under wraps, but we can guarantee you a mind-blowing experience that’ll take your breath away…’ Derren Brown himself actually asked any reviewers in the audience not to reveal anything about the show (which was a first for this reviewer at least!). It said something about the confidence of Derren Brown in his ability to astonish and amaze that he could invite reviews whilst asking for nothing to be written about the show!
No spoilers will be given as to show content but even if they were, it would be impossible to suggest how the various feats were accomplished. The illusions were indeed remarkable but there were some key additional aspects of the show worth noting.
Firstly, aside from all the mental somersaults and illusions, this was a remarkably theatrical show, with several floor to wall video screens and a giant back screen which served both to create scenery and atmospheric backdrops as well as, through on-stage cameramen, allowing the audience to see intimate tricks and illusions performed stage in remarkable close-up details. Lighting, sound and music were all used to great theatrical (and at time, comedic) effect throughout the show.
Secondly, it was a very funny show. Brown had a very easy-going manner, dressed a casual cotton suit and collarless shirt, addressing the audience not as some elevated dynamic star but more like an old friend who has just called round to show you something. There was frequent audience interaction, both with people brought up and on stage and with the audience as a whole. The various video cameras used throughout the show could turn to show the whole audience projected onto the large back screen and home in on specific individuals. There was never any picking on anyone as a victim and it was all done in a very good-humoured way with the audience loving every minute of it.
Perhaps most importantly, the show was thought provoking. First and foremost, Brown is an entertainer and the show was certainly entertainment but it also raised questions you were left pondering long after the final curtain. This was more than simply wondering how did he do this or that because whilst references were made to various occult arts such as dowsing, fortune telling and hypnosis, you were ultimately left with the feeling of having witnessed astonishingly clever illusions that put into question everyone who has claimed to have special powers, from fairground fortune tellers to stage psychics.
Derren Brown’s show was funny, a superb visual spectacle and a feast of mental astonishment and it was not hard to see why after all the years he has been in the business Brown continues to pack large theatres with enthusiastic fans. The show also served to remind us that manipulations can be extremely clever and very powerful and that whilst Derren Brown was giving simply providing enjoyable entertainment, there are others, such as many psychics who were use these skills for personal gain whilst giving false hope. This was a show like no other, which is a shame because the world could do with more people like Derren Brown.
ONLY HUMAN is touring nationally until the 1st August 2026 - https://derrenbrown.co.uk
Reviewer: John Waterhouse
On: 24th February 2026
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