One of the world’s top illusionists Derren Brown speaks with Luke Owain Boult about ruling the world, mediums, and his latest show: Miracle.
What can audiences expect from your tour?
Well I always keep the details secret, and ask the audiences to do the same. But it’s based on audience participation – which is easy enough to avoid if you really don’t like that sort of thing. The show itself is broadly concerned with what makes us happy, and it makes some twists and turns through some of the boldest, ballsiest material I’ve ever performed on stage. It’s a joy to do.
Where do your ideas for tricks, stunts and illusions come from?
I have a few weeks for each project when I sit down with a couple of friends-cum-writers and we come up with the broad idea. The details get fleshed out as we move into production. Essentially it has to be something that I believe in, and want to commit the amount of time to, so it’s up to me to drive the ideas. But I love working in a small team, and value my co-thinkers enormously. It stops you from becoming indulgent, which is hugely important.
What is your opinion of ‘mediums’ and ‘psychics’?
Ha. It’s a nasty business. All the high-profile ones I have met have proved to be bullies and deeply unpleasant. Unfortunately, we’ll always love the promise of such mystical abilities, so it’s a tragically lucrative business. As for how they do it, a quick Google on cold-reading and hot-reading will explain their techniques. And there’s no question about it.
I tour the same theatres where they perform, and I’m forever hearing the in-house staff complaining about whatever psychic has most recently been there. One member of staff told me he sat at the back of the stalls next to the assistant who was feeding information into the psychic’s earpiece; information which had been gleaned before the show in the foyer. I often debunk their methods but have to work harder; sadly psychic shows tend to be very weak, whereas I have to make them more impressive than they tend to be in order to debunk them.
How can you read people so well?
It’s not so simple. I create the effect of reading people so well, but the reality is normally more complicated. There are certain techniques I use, certain tricks and subterfuges, always with an eye on the final illusion. So you have to take it with a pinch of salt. But I think we’re pretty easy to read, as long as you can get out of your own head and pay proper attention to people.
How did you get started and what advice would you give to someone who wanted to follow in your footsteps?
I started out as a hypnotist, and later as a sleight-of-hand magician. I read everything I could on both subjects. Nowadays it’s probably all downloadable, but there’s nothing like the long way round when it comes to learning something deeply.
The key thing as a performer is to find your own voice. To love what you do, and to not chase success for its own sake. You develop your talent, you try to get it out there so people see it, and that’s all you should concern yourself with. Same with any performer. As for my specific skills, I’ve spent 25 years developing them, so be prepared to take your time. You have to love the journey.
How do we know you don’t secretly rule the world?
I spent 10 minutes looking for my phone yesterday while I was talking to someone on it. I’m a long way off ruling the world.
Derren Brown: Miracle, Grand Theatre, Swansea, Mon 7-Sat 12 Mar. Tickets: £27-£41. Info: 01792 475715 / www.swanseagov.co.uk