On Board
Murderous confessions and ‘unfinished’ fans – the UK’s most famous illusionist, Derren Brown, reveals his innermost thoughts on board P&O’s Arcadia
Star Cruiser Derren Brown Interview by Amy Watkins
Derren, what made you choose to perform on a cruise ship? P&O’s Aurora and Arcadia are the only cruises I’ve done, but I really, really loved them. My preconceptions of cruising the first time were overwhelmed by the realisation that the cruise had been booked. I imagined there would be lots of acts, of which I’d be one, and it would be an ideal venue; sort of like a corporate gig. I only realised once I’d said yes that they were advertising it as a ‘Derren Brown cruise’. I attract some lovely fans, but given that I do I attract some ‘unfinished’ ones as well, I was a little nervous going on the first time. But you’re surrounded by people who adore you, which is great.
What have you discovered you love about cruising? The joy of these P&O cruises is that a big proportion of people are not
familiar with cruising and, rightly or wrongly, they have come to see me, which is amazing. So they’re not seasoned travellers, but there’s just something about the atmosphere. It’s like a big party. Also there’s a kind of etiquette where I don’t seem
to get bothered on board; everyone is so delightful. It’s completely unique – it’s not like touring where you can very easily not have any relationship to the place you’re in or the people in the audience. In this situation you’re mixing with and meeting the people who come to see you.
Why did you decide to
return to do another cruise? The reason I’m back is that I had such a great time on the first cruise. I only started holidaying in the last seven or eight years and now I try and get away whenever I can. To sit on the balcony and look at the view is what I was looking forward to the most. On the last cruise I would go to the bar and sit
and watch the karaoke. I’m also going to the new Marco Pierre White Grill and am very much looking
forward to that. I cook myself so I do very much like food; I was at the Orchid last night and loved that.
APRIL/MAY 2012 | 27
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