Running Time: 70 minutes
Synopsis: Derren Brown presents the truly magical, award-winning theatre show that won him the 2012 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. Directed by Polly Findlay and filmed in front of a live sell-out audience at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham, Brown shows how he’s still a master of illusionists.
It’s challenging to talk about Derren Brown’s shows without giving all the good material away but what we can say is that the self-confessed showman once again puts on a magnificent display of talent, shock and intrigue with Svengali.
Svengali is split into two parts, with one half of the show being a jaunt with the audience, as Derren discovers their secrets through his distinctive capability to effortlessly read body language and this brings immense amusement to all. His talent for showmanship, alongside genius-like qualities is shown off to full affect here. Many moons ago, many would put this style of ability down to witchcraft or sorcery but he’s always admitted that these things aren’t real; it’s more about perception and misdirection. However, Derren is so accomplished at this, that he always makes it feel and look ‘real’ and (as suggested by many) like he’s from another dimension.
The other half of the show is connected very specifically to the dark story of ‘Svengali’. The idea behind the tale is that a two-hundred year old automaton, which looks like an eerie child’s doll, also has a mysterious ability to possess members of the audience. The suggestion is that of mind control, with some form of telepathic empathy which means this automated, clock-work doll can control your every move once it’s targeted you – but only after the ring of a bell from Derren.
We highly recommend getting to one of his live shows, but as they always sell out so quickly, this is a comprehensive record of his many gifts and it sits nicely alongside his 2007 show Mind Reader – An Evening of Wonders plus Enigma from 2010. I was also present at the conclusion of his The Experiments – Assassin unknowingly in London back in 2011, when it looked like British-institution Stephen Fry had been shot and I can promise you, everything we saw felt real and we had no idea what had just happened, he’s a master.
The show gives Derren a chance to show off his incredible painting skills and then steady yourselves for further tricks of the mind with Svengali. You’ll also revel in the moments when his ‘Svengali’ possesses a member of the audience. It’s perhaps eerier in a theatre in the moment, but this fifth stage tour is another welcome insight into his exceptional mind.
SVENGALI is released on DVD on April 1st and you can order it via this link now.
