Most magicians are intent on filling their audience full of awe at their amazing powers of illusion.

But coming out of Derren Brown’s latest show feels more akin to leaving a self-help seminar.

His stated aim at the beginning of the show is to explore happiness, and how we can feel more happy in our lives. He encourages us not to think about long term goals or be obsessed by our past, but instead use our words and actions in the present to define us.

And this theme runs through most of the stunts in the show – culminating in a grand set-piece involving the whole audience which takes over most of the second half.

Brown employs the skills of a stand-up comic – ranging from some truly groan-inducing jokes to ingenious call backs.

But he also utilises the devices of the modern world – from YouTube to Twitter – to add both authenticity and familiarity to his sleights of hand and misdirection.

At the centre of Brown’s performance are the audience.

Whereas in previous shows Brown was the one to walk across glass or have a giant nail hammered up his nose, now he shares the darker elements of Miracle with his unsuspecting volunteers.

But even those volunteers are left with a sense of achievement at what they have managed on stage.

His only mis-step on the opening night was one volunteer who was left on his back for most of the second half, and never returned to.

There is a cheeky edge to much of Brown’s performance, but he also makes serious points about how our susceptibility can be used against us for monetary gain by fakes and charlatans utilising the same methods he is employing.

He requests secrecy about Miracle’s content – both from reviewers and social media.

And that secrecy is essential. Revealing too much would spoil some of the surprises in Miracle – allowing an audience to second guess what is to come.

But look out for a cameo appearance by The Argus towards the end of the show – and feel free to check back afterwards for its authenticity.

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