Derren Brown: Miracle at the Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review
Derren Brown: Miracle
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
11-16 May 2015
Reviewed by Laura Reynolds-Talbot
Last night we attended the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford to see master of psychological illusion Derren Brown in his Miracle tour.
On approaching the theatre across the award winning City Park, the Alhambra is an impressive sight with its 100 year old exterior illuminated, making it quite noticeable from a distance.
Parking on some streets around the Alhambra is free after 4.30pm and there seemed to be plenty of it. I arrived with my brother half an hour before the performance and the foyer and bar were already packed. The box office and hospitality staff were very helpful with locating our tickets, meaning we had plenty of time for a pre-show beverage. We flicked through our program, listening to the audible excitement of our fellow audience members.
Entering the theatre, a video feed of the stage was being shown on screens, setting an almost spooky atmosphere and giving us a taste of what was about to come. The 1400 seater auditorium appeared full and the stage curtain was up, allowing the audience to see the set and lighting as soon as we were seated.
Derren appeared on stage to impressive cheers from the audience, testament to his notoriety and the appreciation by many of his previous work. The show was set out with a philosophical premise which had me pondering and speculating right from the start.
As is the nature of a Derren Brown show, the audience participation provided the foundations for the tricks (or ‘Stunts’ as Derren referred to them), with plenty of wry humour and fast paced theoretical explanations along the way. The show started with stunts that would be expected of the entertainer by anyone that had seen his shows previously. Although impressive, they made for a slow burner of a first half.
The second half however, was more long winded stunts and required more concentration to follow from the audience. The climax to the show left me speechless and actually wondering if what I’d seen actually happened or if it were my imagination!
I attended the show hoping to be impressed and to gain some kind of concrete evidence to convince me of Derren Brown’s ability (illusion or manipulation/suggestion). The show name being Miracle gives an air of magic, but also a nod to Derren’s own cynicism on the industry of illusions.
Impressed? Most definitely. He is an incredible showman, a likeable character and captures the audience’s attention. Convinced? Well, that’s something I’m still working out. I think unless myself or my brother had been picked to be part of a stunt, the doubt and disbelief will always remain.
Parts of the show were shown on a large screen, filmed with close up cameramen to give an unrestricted view of the stage, and parts of the show were brought out on to the theatre floor. This really helped create a feeling of inclusion and gave us enough clarity to leave us talking about the show all the next day in great detail.
It’s impossible to talk about the content of the show without giving the game away for future audiences of the tour. Go see it for yourself, make your own mind up. A highly entertaining evening suitable for both fans and first timers alike.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £26.50 to £41.50 (booking fees may apply).
Derren Brown’s Miracle is at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford until 16 May 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office 01274 432000.
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | Box Office 01274 432000
