Derren Brown's Ghost Train opens at Thorpe Park: Mind-bending attraction 'first of its kind'

Brown, 44, said: 'This is the reinvention of the ghost train. It is something very different. It is the first of its kind'

Derren Brown has spoken of the pressure he feels to conjure up new acts — as he unveiled his latest project, a psychological ghost train which he says will change the future of theme parks.

Brown, who is known for his mind-bending shows using misdirection, suggestion and hypnosis, said he sometimes has “a block” about what to devise next.

In one show he broadcast a seance, while in another he apparently played Russian roulette.

In Pushed To The Edge, broadcast last Wednesday, he seemingly convinced participants to commit murder — described as “morally cruel” by some viewers.

Hard work: Brown's new attraction, based in a 2,300-square-metre warehouse designed to look like a Victorian train depot, took 1,000 people to create

Now he has given the Standard exclusive details of his latest project. The ghost train opens at Thorpe Park in spring and combines grand illusion, live action, virtual reality, and 4D special effects to terrify audiences and play tricks with their minds.

Visitors will enter a seven-tonne, 20-metre Victorian train carriage, suspended in mid-air. Each will wear a mask, allowing them to experience virtual reality.

The attraction lasts 13 minutes, during which they will have several multi-sensory surprises — including sequences where they will take centre stage and interact with actors. There are 12 possible journeys and two different endings, which are being kept under wraps until closer to opening.

Latest act: Derren Brown says his psychological ghost train will change the future of theme parks
Tim Anderson

The attraction, based in a 2,300-square-metre warehouse designed to look like a Victorian train depot, took 1,000 people to create.

Brown, 44, said: “This is the reinvention of the ghost train. It is something very different. It is the first of its kind and, without sounding too arrogant about it, I think it will change what theme parks will be doing in the future.

“I love theme parks and rollercoasters — when I decided I wanted to do an experience, a ghost train was a no-brainer. It marries what I do and the fun of a theme park.

“I have been quite hands-on and it is very much my brain-child. I am very excited about it. But I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the surprise — and the fear — people will experience.”

But he playfully hinted at the nature of the experience on Twitter, posting a picture of a doll’s head in his housemate’s bed with the caption: “Tis WAR twixt me & my housemate as we try to freak each other with the doll’s head I kept from Thorpe Park PR thing.”

Asked whether he felt it was a burden to continue surprising his fans with new projects, Brown said: “I sometimes feel the pressure yes — but I have the weight of my shows behind me.

“But there is pressure to keep producing shows that are more than people expect and that continue to entertain and be true to me.

“When I have finished a show or a tour I sometimes sit at home for a couple of weeks thinking, ‘What’s next.’ Maybe like a block.”

He said he had been nervous ahead of the West End run of his show, Miracle, about spiritual transformation.

“It is always a worry and London audiences can be risky as they are tough,” he said. “But it was received well.”

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