Culture

Derren Brown’s latest stage show Only Human heads to London West End after sell-out tour

Derren Brown Only Human show by Pamela Raith Photography

After a sold-out tour across the UK and Ireland, Derren Brown is bringing his latest stage show Only Human to London’s West End, with a residency at the Apollo Theatre this autumn.

Brown has long occupied a singular place in British theatre. Part illusionist, part psychological showman, his productions blend suggestion, storytelling and audience participation into something that resists easy categorisation – but is always dumbfounding.

This will be his 11th West End spectacle, following a string of acclaimed productions including Svengali, Enigma, Miracle and Showman. His work has earned five Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment – more than any other solo performer in the category – and two wins. Internationally, his 2017 production Secret crossed to New York, winning the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience before returning for a sell-out Broadway run.

Part illusionist, part psychological showman, but always dumbfounding…

New Derren Brown show a big party

Only Human arrives in London, having played to full houses throughout its current tour, and Brown remains characteristically guarded about its precise content. “It’s a big party,” he teases. “Come and bring a friend.”

So no spoilers.

Early indications suggest Only Human mixes psychological illusion with spectacle and introspection. As with previous productions, the creative team is well established. The show is written by Brown alongside Andrew O’Connor and Stephen Long, with O’Connor also directing.

Design, as always, will also play a significant role. Simon Higlett’s set features video contributions from Simon Wainwright, lighting from Charlie Morgan Jones and sound design by Beth Duke.

With an age guidance of 12+, Only Human is suitable for a broad audience.

Only Human opens at the Apollo Theatre on Saturday October 10 2026 and runs until January 30 2027. A press night is scheduled for Wednesday October 21, followed by a gala performance on Thursday October 22.

Tickets are on sale now via the official website.  

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK