Derren Brown proves he is still an Enigma

Interviewing Derren Brown was always likely to be the highlight of my student journalism career. I was happy to fall under his hypnotic spell and do whatever he wanted, provided he allowed me to remember enough to write about it all afterwards.

With three sold-out dates at the Liverpool Empire coming up in March and May, the dream was to line up an exclusive interview with the mysterious showman. What a chance to enjoy a one-on-one session with Derren, who has said he loves working with students. Perfect.

"Dreams can come true," said Gabrielle. This wasn't one of them, sadly, as Derren's busy schedule prevented him from doing any new interviews. His many fans will be looking forward to his latest show, Enigma, which he brings to the Empire this week, and Derren gave his thoughts ahead of the tour .

He says: “Like previous shows, I will absolutely push myself to the limit. The challenge is to create a theatrical event that shocks, surprises and defies explanation. The audience will be taken for a roller-coaster ride, and I hope it’s an experience that they will never forget.

“[It is] loads more fun than you'd expect if you've only seen the TV work. And all based on random audience participation.”

Derren has enjoyed increasing recognition in recent years
as his special shows on television have amazed and
confused his audience. He has played Russian Roulette,
held a séance, tricked people into committing a robbery and
created a perfect gambling system, on top of his regular
shows such as 'Trick or Treat'.

His most recent trick was to predict the National Lottery
numbers before the draw took place, which he performed
live. The stunt was the subject of frenzied speculation and
theories, with Derren’s subsequent explanation leaving
many unsatisfied.

As well as publishing another book later this year, after the
success of 'Tricks of the Mind', he is now working on a series
of television documentaries.

He explains: “I've been spending some time with people making paranormal claims, and I'm going in with a genuine hope for the evidence to hold up. I spend my life fabricating supernatural power, so I'd love it all to be true.

“Of course extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence, so at the same time I know what to look out for and not get fooled. It's been a fascinating project, and more complex than I imagined.”

With such a heavy workload, Derren jokes that he will take a holiday in 2016. I hope he finds time to squeeze me in before then.