Derren Brown is a multi-award-winning master of illusion and mind control and widely regarded as a master of showmanship, timing and misdirection. His stage shows are hugely successful and secretive affairs, which involve both individual and group audience participation. He describes himself as a psychological illusionist and has achieved notoriety on TV, initially through his 2000 Channel 4 series ‘Mind Control.’ He is known to request that reviewers and the audience in general do not discuss the secrets of his show on social media in order for future audiences to enjoy the surprise.
His latest show, Only Human, has a core premise that explores the nature of human choices, the illusion of free will, and our attempts to predict or control the future. Having never seen Derren on TV or experienced one of his shows, I entered the Lyceum unaware of what awaited me. As I took my seat, it was obvious from a prop that lay next to all the seats that some level of audience participation was expected.
The first thing that struck me about Darren was his ease on stage and with the audience, and also how funny and quick-witted he is. The show was split into two different acts, either side of the interval, with the first half being light-hearted and funny in parts and the second half much deeper and involved. At around 2 hours and 20 minutes, with an interval, it isn’t a short show, but Derren’s showmanship and the immersive nature of the overall experience ensured the time passed quickly. But through both parts of the show, the general theme of how free are your choices was integral to the entertainment.
There are many instances during the evening where audience participation occurs and this varies in its format. Sometimes it is in the form of the entire audience and sometimes individuals. It is worth confirming that this is entirely voluntary and no pressure is applied. What I found fascinating, during the group participation, is how readily some people are more susceptible to his suggestions than others. A sceptic may suggest that there are plants in the audience to help the show along, but the level, number, and varying format of this involvement make this seem unlikely. He may use group participation to identify individuals who are the most susceptible to his powers of persuasion.
In truth, I have no idea how he manages to do what he does, but I do know it is both entertaining and fascinating. I don’t believe in magic or mind-reading or much of what Darren was showcasing. What I do believe in, however, is someone who is a master of their craft and can produce a performance full of a sense of wonder. I also enjoyed that not all of the show is smoke and mirrors; there are moments of philosophy and positive messages of seizing your own destiny. It is an entertaining and fascinating experience.
Production run (The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield): Tuesday 14th June –Saturday 18th July 2026.
Running Time: around 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/derren-brown-only-human-2026/dates
Reviewer: Matthew Burgin
On: 14th July 2026
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