HE’S courted controversy by playing Russian roulette on live TV, coerced his hypnotees into robbing a security van and poked needles into Robbie Williams.

All were mesmerising, but it’s Derren Brown’s live show that really demonstrates his formidable talent.

What sets him apart from the likes of David Blaine is the way he keeps the audience on-side with sharp wit.

Before he appeared, 60 people were invited to write down their three favourite things (“sandwiches, cricket and t*ts”, wrote one wag).

Later another audience member (randomly chosen by Frisbee) was asked to “transmit” one of these words to Derren. He revealed it was “glitter” but Derren had scribbled a number on his card. No match!

Or so he manipulated us to think.

“Is it Gary Glitter’s prison number?” whispered my partner.

Actually the link was almost as convoluted, but since Derren asked the Press not to spoil things by revealing too much, I’ll keep schtum.

There was also a marvellous version of 80s board game Guess Who using photos of the audience taken in the foyer.