Derren Brown,

‘Infamous’

Bradford Alhambra Until June 1

My mouth is dry. My hands are shaking. Wow, these stage lights are hot. Is that why I’m sweating?

Ok, this is really happening. I’m on stage at the Alhambra and I’m being interfered with by Derren Brown.

It’s an ‘I know what you’re thinking before you’ve even thought about thinking it’ type of mental wizardry.

To recap, I’ve been picked randomly from the audience (I won’t tell you how, only that it hit me on the head and another ticket-holder was to blame) and now I’m an unwitting pawn in Mr Brown’s latest psycho-trickery game.

The rest passes in a bit of a blur. I can’t honestly remember all that happens, other than the fact it obviously astonishes the 1,000-odd people sitting in front of me.

But it’s kind of handy that I can’t recall the details, because Derren has sworn me, and everybody else here, to secrecy.

You see, we’re not to spoil any of the surprises for any future audience members.

We’re allowed to lie to people about the show, he tells us. So, wait for the trick with the goats. That will BLOW YOUR MIND.

In all seriousness, if you’re familiar with Derren’s TV stunts, expect a similarly astonishing rollercoaster ride, with the added suspense of wondering whether you’ll end up on stage next.

Believe me, it happens. And when people get asked if they know him, they really don’t. Sadly, I don’t move in such showbiz circles.

And if you’ve seen his previous stage spectacle, Svengali, this latest show, ‘Infamous’, is just as good, if not better.

Trust me - would I lie to you?

Claire Armstrong