'A proper city - I do love the joy of Belfast': Mind games and magic ... Derren Brown heads for the Grand Opera House

Now, as part of his UK and Ireland 2026 tour, he will be bringing his latest show, Only Human Live, to the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from May 19-23.

Ahead of the event, the artist took time from a busy schedule to chat about his performances and explain why Belfast is among his favourite venues.

He also revealed how his beloved pet parrot Rasputin has eventually flown the nest – and is now enjoying life with her popinjay family at a specialist animal sanctuary.

“You know, audiences do have distinct personalities and Belfast has one of the best," he said.

"I think one of the reasons it’s so good, is because Belfast is a proper big city. There’s a university which, believe it or not, does add a brightness to the mood.

"There’s also a sense of longevity, with many generations having grown up there. So, when I walk out onto a stage in Belfast, I get a sense of a strong community and a feeling of a happy, bonded group.

"There’s a buzz, a sense of ‘go on then show us what you’ve got!’ You just know they are feeling a shared experience – and I love it. In contrast, other places such as the commuter belt in London, there is no community or shared identity.

"I mean, don’t get me wrong, the crowds are great and give an enthusiastic reception but, after a Saturday night in Belfast, other places can feel very different.

"I remember doing a show in New York, which is not the type of city that has a strong sense of belonging. It’s just how it is. Anyway, we were in a room full of individuals who were all very welcoming and enjoying the performance, getting involved, shouting things out to me.

"But they were strangers to each other, all narrating their own experience. Having said that, I have come to appreciate these ‘quieter’ events. The show adapts to suit the audience, I like it. But I do love the joy of Belfast.”

His ‘Only Human’ event is Brown’s eleventh show, but he remains tight- lipped about its content.

“Every night I swear the audience to secret so there’s a limit to what I can reveal,” he laughs.

“Each show has its own theme, and this one is rooted in how we relate to the future. It explores choice and how we relate to each other. I mean, ‘predicting the future’ is a common enough theme, magicians have been trying to foretell the future for ages. We all know it impossible but it’s still a human thing to attempt.

"Our shows take a lot of effort to create. Even before we write the show, we need to come up with a title because theatres need the artwork for their posters. This one looked quite futuristic, and people were guessing it was about AI and we thought, maybe it should be about AI!

"But of course, it isn’t. In general, we spend a month writing, a month rehearsing and then we’re off. I don’t think I can say anymore.”

Described as ‘mind blowing, intelligent and highly theatrical’ Brown’s shows are both entertaining and a magnet for believers in magic as well as cynics hoping to be persuaded.

He is used to playing to an appreciative audience. But, as all artists know, hecklers are part and parcel of live performances. Fortunately, the illusionist can immediately spot the potential for trouble and has a few tricks to deal with it.

“In reality, it rarely happens, so for me, hecklers aren’t usually a problem. But if it does happen it’s always a bloke! I can generally tell if someone is going to be difficult.

"For example, sometimes I’ll throw a frisbee and wherever it lands the person is meant to stand up. I can tell in those first few seconds of them catching the frisbee if there might be an issue.

"For example, they may want to bring their drink onstage, or they may remain sitting, arms folded, refusing to take part. In that, case, I’ll simply ask them to rethrow or pass the frisbee on to someone else.

"If they’re onstage and start to be annoying, it can even prove helpful because people become much more predictable when they try to catch me out. More often, if an individual becomes difficult it’s not because they’re being malicious.

"You know, being onstage is a very weird place and nerves do get the better of people. I never worry about it because, them being annoying, often puts the audience on my side.

"An annoying participant is actually better than one who goes blank. At least the former adds a little frisson. Although, I do get rid of them as early as possible”.

A ‘good’ audience isn’t solely about venue or cultural identity, Brown suggests.

“Many things can influence an audience” he continues. “It’s weird but if the seats are closer together audiences react better. Acoustics also play a crucial role.

"In my career, I’ve had many great shows but one of the strangest took place in Dublin where the guy who opened the doors was the same guy doing the tickets and I could swear he was also doing the bar! The worst part of the evening was when it rained onstage. There was a hole in the roof!”

Apart from his incredible performances onstage, Brown has carved a reputation as a bird lover, especially parrots. In fact, in 2004, he became Patron of the ‘Parrot Zoo’, currently known as the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park.

“Yes, I love parrots, they’re amazing creatures. I had a beautiful parrot, named Rasputin. I had her from she was very young but, you know, as these birds get older, they need to be with their own kind and so, eventually, I had to return her (to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park).

"She’s up there now, living out her final years. She has a family and every now and then I go to visit her. She still remembers me, which is wonderful.

"At one time, the park catered to parrots but now have many different animals, and they do a fantastic job. I don’t have any birds now, but I do have dogs. Equally wonderful and so much fun.”

l Derren Brown, Only Human Live, Grand Opera House, Belfast, Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7.30pm (matinee, May 23, 2.30pm). Tickets range from £44 to £65. To book visit goh.co.uk/whats-on/derren-brown