Four Stars. A show that entertains, surprises and intrigues – Small House Big Trips.
If you’re worried about spoilers, don’t be. Derren has specifically asked that audiences and reviewers don’t reveal what happens on stage, and after seeing it for myself at Birmingham Hippodrome this evening, I can completely understand why. This is a show built on surprise, curiosity and the joy of experiencing something for yourself.
Throughout the evening I found myself switching between giggles, disbelief and complete fascination. There were moments that made me smile, moments that left me questioning my own assumptions and more than a few where I simply sat back and wondered how on earth what I was witnessing was possible and also, not forgetting the moments when I become detective and try to work out how everything is done.
Only Human isn’t just about tricks or illusions though. It is something much more personal. It’s a show about people – how we think, what we believe and the stories we tell ourselves. Without ever feeling heavy-handed, it gently nudges you to consider how much of what we accept as reality is shaped by our own perceptions.
The atmosphere in the theatre was something else. Hundreds of people sat together, completely absorbed, sharing an experience that nobody quite knows how to explain afterwards.
As the show progressed, I realised that the mystery wasn’t really the point. The real magic was the sense of wonder it created. In a world where we can instantly Google almost anything, there’s something refreshing about spending an evening embracing the unknown.
Only Human may not be my favourite Derren Brown show to date (sorry Derren), but it’s still a fascinating, entertaining and thought-provoking evening that is well worth a watch (and maybe you’ll take part in the show too…).
You can see the show at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 13 June. Best availability is mid week. Book your tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press night performance. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.