Derren Brown is being talked about as someone altogether different and unique in the world of magic entertainment. A British David Blaine.  A mind-reader who possesses an audacious confidence and a rare intuition which enable him to psychologically predict, suggest and control human behaviour.

"I have to learn people's patterns, step inside their heads.

Then I can play."

Born in Croydon in 1971, Derren can trace his interest in psychological techniques to childhood. "I was a very good liar and a revoltingly charming child", he says. Like a lot of solitary children he developed an interest in magic but it was only later at Bristol University, where he studied Law and German that he started to take it seriously. "I found myself developing an analytical mind-set, able to spot the loopholes in anyone's argument very quickly", he reflects.

After graduating, Derren abandoned a career in Law and concentrated on developing his skills at psychological magic. He was able to pay the bills by combining performing in cafes and bars with a sideline in portraiture.

His big break came in 1999 when he was asked by Kevin Lygo, then Head of Entertainment commissioning at Channel 4, to put a TV show together. The result, DERREN BROWN : MIND CONTROL, was transmitted on Channel 4 in December 2000 proving an immediate success. The repeat showing rated in Channel 4's top ten. This was followed in August 2001 by another special DERREN BROWN : MIND CONTROL 2, plus a New Year's Day Special 2002, DERREN BROWN : MIND CONTROL 3, further establishing him as a hit with viewers and critics alike.

"Derren Brown has taken the cheese and sleaze out of showbiz magic and restored a sense of wonder. Unbelievable stuff" (Time Out), "Astonishing. Utterly convincing." (Observer), "Fascinating". (Sunday Times).

Derren lives in Bristol with a parrot called Figaro. He still paints portraits of favourite icons and is currently organising an exhibition.

"Clearly the greatest dinner party guest in history ... or the scariest man in Britain". Charlie Brooker, The Guardian