AN air of mystery always surrounds Derren Brown but with his new show Miracle there is an extra level of secrecy.

Rather like the long running West End whodunnit The Mousetrap, the audience at every performance of Miracle are asked not to reveal what happens in the show.

“It’s something I did with my very early shows about 14 years ago,” said Derren. “It just occurred to me that it would be more fun if you didn’t know what happened in the show, so I asked the audience to keep it a secret.

“I was amazed that people largely kept to that. In fact the only people that don’t do it are journalists which is a bit frustrating as some people feel the only way of reviewing a show is to list what happened.

“But the nature of the show is that it is better if you don’t know about it in advance. So I ask people to keep quiet about it and largely they do.”

Anyone who names their show Miracle is lining themselves up for comment.

“It’s quite a bold title, I’ll give you that,” laughed Derren.

“But it’s a title that makes more and more sense as the show goes on there is good reason for it. It’s not just an ego trip.”

Although he will not disclose too much about the show, which comes to the Lowry in Salford Quays early next month, given Derren’s track record which involves mind boggling illusions, mass manipulation and bewildering tricks, it is not too much of a leap to think it was will a night to remember.

Derren agrees.

He said: “It’s got the boldest and maddest second half that I have ever done and when set out I was not even sure if it would work, but it has ended up probably being the best thing I’ve done.

“It’s quite out there but people go with it and that makes it much more rewarding for them when they do.

“There are genuinely good reasons not to talk about the show, particularly the second half. If you knew what it entails in advance it would change the reasons why you come to see the show.

“I just want people to come with an open mind.”

For those expecting a stage show akin to Derren’s more recent TV specials, Miracle will be a surprise.

“If you have only seen the TV shows, the stage shows are more fun and funny and genuinely more theatrical and entertaining and hopefully even moving,” said Derren.

“A lot goes on that you can’t get from a TV show. The audience is very much part of stage show and everyone is involved.”

Derren revealed that the show has a lot to do with happiness, something which he has been looking at more and more.

“I’ve been writing a book on happiness which should be out in October,” he said. “It’s a sort of anti-self help book which draws a lot from ancient philosophy about happiness.

“I’m very much opposed to the modern idea that happiness is some kind of commodity we are all entitled to and that you can achieve it just by believing in yourself and setting your goals.

“I think it’s much healthier to accept that the vast majority of things, other than your own thoughts or own actions, you have no real control over anyway.”

Derren is revelling in the freedom Miracle gives him compared to working on a TV show.

“TV is much more exhausting,” he said, “even though I probably only do one TV show a year.

“The way TV works is that you come up with idea that is fun then you have months getting that idea become reality and you’re always up against budgetary and production issues. There are so many processes involved and a vast number of people.

“With the stage show, I’m creatively totally on top of every part of it and I get to go and do it every night which is great fun.

“The glorious thing to me is the balance it gives me of having quiet days to myself and having fun things to do in evening. I love it.”

- Derren Brown's Miracle is at the Lowry in Salford Quays from June 6 to 11 and July 11 to 13. Call the box office on 0843 208 6000.

JOHN ANSON