'Derren Brown: Secret' is a magical evening

‘DERREN BROWN: SECRET’: Derren Brown. Photo: Matthew Murphy

DERREN BROWN: SECRET
Written by Andy Nyman, Derren Brown & Andrew O’Connor
Directed by Andrew O’Connor & Andy Nyman
Through January 4, 2020
Cort Theatre
138 West 48th Street
212-239-6200; www.derrenbrownsecret.com

By David NouNou

At the beginning of Derren Brown: Secret, an announcement is made that photography is prohibited and to kindly refrain from discussing or reviewing the show online as it would spoil it for future viewers. When you are dealing with illusion⁠—or in this case, mentalism or the power of suggestion⁠—it is best not to reveal any information, because the main purpose of a show like this is to leave the audience in awe, and Derren Brown leaves the audience completely stumped and enthralled.

Unlike shows like the various incarnations of The Illusionists (with multiple acts and a few better than others, those are more family holiday-oriented shows), Mr. Brown’s Secret is a clever one-man extravaganza that has witty repartee with the audience. He’s well known in the U.K. (he has won two Olivier Awards) and in the U.S. has shows streaming on Netflix, “The Push” and “Sacrifice.” For his Broadway debut, of course the audience is his source of material/entertainment; they are chosen randomly and the rest of us are amazed at the feats that are performed. Sorry, I can’t reveal any of the mysterious acts presented.

What makes this show so enjoyable is Mr. Brown’s affability. He is a charming host with refined British dry humor that makes this sort of show go down smoothly. If mental telepathy, or mind shows and trickery are not your cup of tea, it would be best to skip this one. There are times when Secret seems over indulgent, but Mr. Brown is a superb showman, and the rapport he has with his audience keeps the show afloat.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published September 19, 2019
Reviewed at September 18, 2019 press performance.