Notes From a Fellow Traveller

by Derren Brown

Derren Brown's first book for magicians in 20 years. 520 pages on performance theory, the process of creating his theatrical shows, and on-stage technique.

This touring journal, written by one of the most successful West End performers alive, came into being while Derren performed his sell-out tour of Showman around the UK in 2022/3. It is written for magicians and mentalists looking to put on a show, and looks in detail at show-writing and performance, as well as questions of material, character, script, spectator handling and more.

Mentalism, meaning and thirty years of mistakes.

Genres: Magic

520 pages, Hardcover

Published July 4, 2023

About the author

Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and author. He has produced several shows the stage and television and is the winner of two Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment. He has also written books for magicians as well as the general public.

Reviews

[Jake Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so densely packed with information that I had to slow myself down reading it to truly digest all the information. It reminded me that even the people I look up to have shitty shows and that helped me a lot. The chapter about selfies stuck out the most, I'm integrating that into my repertoire 🧠

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written- sympathetic, humorous, self-deprecating. This is a book aimed at magicians, of which I am not, but I still enjoyed it immensely. It was an interesting blend of personal stories about life on tour and of performance theory and practice, and I found both sides equally engaging.

If you don't have much knowledge of or interest in magic, then this book is probably not for you. However, there is no need to be an expert. Equally, if you're expecting methods, you'll be disappointed, but Brown has a lot to say about constructing shows, engaging with audiences, and working out who you are as a performer.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. Derren Brown is one of those rare performers I feel lucky to be alive at the same time as, and this book is as close as you can get to being taught by him.

[Aidan Mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I took notes on every single page of this book, literally. Every page was packed with information about performing, methods, applause, cues etc. It is literally impossible to take nothing valuable from this book, and Derren even gives you some really great tricks in here but better then that, he gives you the type of ideas and vibe he goes for when creating magic. I love Derren already too which made it all the more better reading this because you get to learn funny tales from behind the scenes, which are also super informative. Definitely will be a re-read for me as I went through it in 3 days and could only remember so much, so will need to study it as there are so many things worth remembering. I think if you are a performer you will enjoy this book, especially if you deal with the magic arts. 5 out of 5 for me and I'm sure for you as well.

[Peter Hession · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given four stars but it hovers between three and four for me. It was an easy read and well written. It's claimed that it is a book written for magicians but there are no methods revealed. However, the performance and its meaning are the real method and what needs to be focused on and Derren goes into great detail on how to draw the best out.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone even remotely interested in magic, psychology, mentalism and stagecraft. Above all though, it's a smart, witty, and heartfelt diary, written with flare by one of the greatest minds in magic ever.