Derren Brown is a British psychological illusionist, writer and artist whose stage shows and television specials explore suggestion, persuasion and the stories we tell ourselves. Beyond the theatre, his books Happy and A Book of Secrets draw on Stoic philosophy to offer a thoughtful, grounded view of how to live well. [1]
Who is Derren Brown?
Derren Brown developed his skills in hypnosis and magic while studying Law and German at Bristol University, and spent the following years in Bristol honing his craft. [1]
His UK television career began in December 2000 with a series of specials called Mind Control, and he went on to create many memorable specials built on psychology, suggestion and showmanship. [1]
On stage he has toured eight sell-out one-man shows, a first in the history of magic. His shows have received a record five Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment, winning twice. [1] His first US show, Secret, co-written with his directors Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor, won the New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and returned for a sell-out run on Broadway in 2019. [1] [2]
He is also a best-selling author, a painter and a podcaster, and in recent years has written and spoken widely about Stoic philosophy, resilience and living a more purposeful life. [3]
His ideas in brief
- We are storytellers. We make sense of life through the stories we tell ourselves, and we can learn to edit them.
- Suggestion is everywhere. Expectation, language and context shape what we notice and do.
- Focus on what you control. Borrowing from the Stoics, he suggests letting go of what lies outside your control.
- Rethink happiness. Contentment can come from accepting life as it is, rather than chasing goals.
- Stay curious. Knowing how the mind can be led helps us think more clearly.
At a glance
Profession: Psychological illusionist, writer and artist
Studied: Law and German, Bristol University
Awards: Two Olivier Awards; Drama Desk Award
Broadway: Secret (2019)
Website: derrenbrown.co.uk
Good fit if
You are curious about suggestion, hypnosis and how the mind works, or you would like a calm, philosophical approach to happiness and resilience rooted in Stoicism.
Our take
A brilliant entertainer and a thoughtful writer whose work invites us to look more closely at the stories that shape our lives. Start with his TED talk on this page, then read Happy.
Derren Brown’s key ideas
His shows and books return to a few big themes about the mind and how to live. Tap a card to read more.
Suggestion
Much of Derren’s work shows how small cues, such as words, expectations and context, can quietly shape what people notice, remember and choose. Seeing this in action is a useful reminder to pause and think about our own assumptions. His TED talk on this page is a good introduction.
Hypnosis and focus
Derren first developed his skills through hypnosis. Researchers today describe hypnosis as a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterised by an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion. [4] Our hypnosis guide explains how it is used for wellbeing, and 16 famous hypnotists places him alongside other well-known names, including Paul McKenna and Milton Erickson.
Stoicism
Derren has become an enthusiastic advocate of Stoic philosophy. His reading companion to Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations combines the original reflections with his own commentary, to help readers apply Stoic principles to everyday challenges, build resilience and live more purposefully. [3]
Rethinking happiness
In Happy, he looks at happiness through the lens of ancient philosophy and argues for a calmer, more accepting approach: rather than relentlessly chasing goals, we can find contentment by changing how we relate to events.
Our life stories
A recurring theme in his books and shows is that we live by the stories we tell about ourselves. A Book of Secrets explores how we can find comfort and meaning by gently rewriting those stories, especially during difficult times. Our guide to letting go of the past covers similar ground.
Videos with Derren Brown
Hand-picked and checked one by one: Derren on the mind, hypnosis and happiness.
Start here
The mind and hypnosis
Happiness and philosophy
Articles about Derren Brown
Books by Derren Brown
Derren writes for general readers on the mind, happiness and meaning, alongside books for magicians. [1]
Buy Happy in your country: US · UK · Canada · Australia · India.
Shows, podcast and reading
His official site lists current shows, books and his podcast exploring the pressures of modern life and meaningful ways to manage them. [3]
What the Research Shows
Derren’s work touches on hypnosis, which researchers continue to define and study.
- Defining hypnosis. The American Psychological Association’s Division 30 defines hypnosis as a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, characterised by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. [4]
Frequently asked questions
Who is Derren Brown?
A British psychological illusionist, writer and artist known for stage shows and television specials about suggestion and the mind.
Is Derren Brown a hypnotist?
He developed his skills in hypnosis and magic as a student, and hypnosis and suggestion feature throughout his work.
What awards has Derren Brown won?
His shows have won two Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment, and Secret won the New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience.
What is Derren Brown’s book Happy about?
A philosophical look at happiness, drawing on the Stoics, that suggests contentment comes from changing how we relate to events.
Which Derren Brown book should I read first?
Happy is a good start for wellbeing; Tricks of the Mind covers memory, suggestion and hypnosis.
When was Derren Brown on Broadway?
His show Secret ran on Broadway at the Cort Theatre in 2019.
Where can I see Derren Brown live?
His official website lists current tours and West End seasons.
Sources
- Derren Brown: Official biography
- Derren Brown: Secret
- Derren Brown: The Official Site
- Elkins et al., Advancing research and practice: the revised APA Division 30 definition of hypnosis, International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 2015
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