DERREN Brown is preparing to embark on the second leg of his Infamous tour, which comes to both Manchester and Blackpool.

Here the man of mystery answers a few questions about his show.

Can we expect the same show or will you be making any changes?

It’ll be essentially the same show, though we normally make a few tweaks for the second leg. It’s good to have a chance to sit back and see if anything can be improved.

Infamous has been very well received by critics and the public alike. How does criticism, good or bad, affect you when you’re performing?

It doesn’t. The only advice I really listen to is my director in the first instance, my producer, and occasionally my manager or the guys that come on tour with me when they make a point that I think is worth taking on board.

It’s been well documented that you love touring. What’s the fatal attraction?

Performing the show is a huge delight. It doesn’t matter what sort of day I’ve had, the show picks me up and leaves me buzzing with adrenaline. Normally I’m fairly quiet and perhaps a little isolated, so that in itself is a lovely feeling and provides a healthy balance.

Are there any downsides to being on the road for six months of the year?

It’s tricky when you’re in a relationship. It’s a common thing with performers — you don’t see your partner for months and then it takes a while, especially for the one who’s been at home, to get used to being back together again.

Will there be a new show for 2015? And any plans to tour abroad?

Hopefully there’ll be a new show, certainly. As for taking it abroad, I’ve no huge drive to, other than to see some countries I otherwise wouldn’t. So I’m in no rush, and currently don’t have the time that would be needed to go abroad and promote it and so on.

A lot of people are saying how your recent TV shows have become warmer and less ‘self-orientated’. Would you agree with this?

I'd hope so. I’m sure some people miss the mind-reading tricks but as I’ve grown up and felt less need to impress. I’ve enjoyed moving into an area where I can shift the spotlight to other people. It’s surely much more interesting watching real people steal a painting than a magician.

There IS still a lot of trickery and illusions on show. Would you say that your magic roots remain as important as ever?

I seem to be in a lucky position now with TV where I can deal with a wide range of subjects. If I had been stuck with only ever being a ‘mentalist’or magician I’d have lost interest by now. I like to use some of the knowledge I have as a magician and as a person with a keen interest in the fringe areas of psychology and apply them in ways I find more interesting than appearing to read someone's mind.

What can we expect next in terms of TV?

Most likely the next TV show will be the televised version of Infamous. Sadly, a lot always has to be cut to fit these two-hour-plus shows into about an hour of actual TV time, so the TV version never compares to seeing the shows live. Beyond that, who knows? If people retain interest, then perhaps it's time to try something very different.

  • Opera House, Blackpool, May 12 and 13. Details from 01253 625252 and the Lowry, Salford Quays, June 13, 14, 15 17, 18, 19, 30, 21. Box office 0843 208 6000