Only Human - Derren Brown at the Marlowe Theatre - review

I’ve been a fan of Derren Brown for at least 20 years. Not only have I seen all but one of his stage shows, applying to feature on his Experiments TV series was part of my ‘year of saying yes’ in 2012, the journey that led to me setting up Happy & Glorious. 

Naturally, I was very excited to book Only Human - his latest show at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The Marlowe is such a great venue, and, as a person that grew up surrounded by nothing but fields, I feel so fortunate that such a space is within a 20 minute walk from my home.

It’s difficult to write the review that I would like to; the audience is sworn to secrecy from the start, but it’s safe to say that the gasps of delight, wonder and incredulity are as strong as they have ever been throughout Mr Brown’s career. The set was dramatic and simple, with stark brickwork making a perfect backdrop for the wonders in the foreground to unfold, without distraction. It felt a long way from earlier shows that relied more upon eerie props, such as the Spirit Cabinet and the Svengali automaton.

The first half of the show felt full of fun. Those familiar with Derren’s work know this is the master moving his chess pieces into place before the real game begins - I find it remarkable that a man this brilliant never appears to be showing off. This light-hearted and startlingly smooth first act, progressed to a more edgy middle, but ultimately led back into the kindness that he has placed at the heart of his work in more recent years.

The second half is heavily reliant on audience participation; it feels as if everything rests on the edge of a knife, and the tension in the theatre is palpable. What I love most is the lack of cynicism in the room; a Derren Brown show must be one of the few experiences in life where people are rooting for their own manipulation to run smoothly.

Having seen the majority of his repertoire, from historical storytelling, to pure shock factor, it felt that with his latest show Mr Brown has hit a perfect balance between mischief and drama, history and mystery, spectacular showmanship and the feeling that anything could go wrong at any moment. Of course, it doesn’t.

The audience came to the theatre, asking to be tricked, baffled and delighted, and Only Human does not disappoint.

 Only Human is touring until 1st August 2026