Derren Brown’s terrifying new Ghost Train will 'derail your mind'

Telegraph Travel 3 April 2017 • 5:00pm

Mind-manipulator Derren Brown has collaborated with Thorpe Park to create a new immersive virtual reality ride called Ghost Train, which is now open to the public after a three-year development process.

Scare-seekers will be encouraged to question their perception of reality as they climb aboard what appears to be a suspended 20-foot Victorian train carriage.

A virtual reality creature, part of Derren Brown's Ghost Train ride at Thorpe Park — Not the most approachable-looking character to run into in an apocalyptic crisis

Riders will wear headsets throughout the 15-minute journey, with a dozen different permutations available and two different endings. There will also be a host of optical illusions (including the carriage itself) and a cast of live actors, who are permitted to touch passengers.

Derren Brown has been developing the ride for three years, in partnership with Merlin Magic Making Credit: Thorpe Park

Brown promises that the experience will be “like nothing you have ever seen before” and that it will “derail your mind."

Brave participants will face an apocalyptic virtual reality scenario involving a terrifying toxic gas leak, caused by the nefarious activities of a sinister company named Sub Core Energy.

The set of Ghost Train, Thorpe Park — Participants will face an apocalyptic virtual reality scenario involving a terrifying toxic gas leak Credit: Thorpe Park

According to Thorpe Park, the new attraction – which is rated PG13 – will have the longest restriction list in the theme park’s history.

Apparently longest list of warnings/restrictions they've ever had... pic.twitter.com/roz5AyNmel
— Derren Brown (@DerrenBrown) May 4, 2016

Ghost Train’s guidelines state that the ride is not suitable for guests “with any psychological or neurological disorders including epilepsy”, those with a “fear of dark confined spaces or heights” or anyone of “a nervous disposition”.

The restrictions also state: “This is a dark psychological attraction. Guests will be kept safe at all times: however those that suffer from anxiety or panic attacks should not enter.”

An actor on Derren Brown's Ghost Train at Thorpe Park — This chap is possibly not a character you'd want to run into on an empty Tube carriage Credit: Thorpe Park

DVR at Derren Brown's Ghost Train — "Brown will toy with guests’ minds and perceptions throughout the journey on board the Ghost Train until they no longer know what is real, before leaving them on a cliff-hanger ending" Credit: Thorpe Park

If you’re still keen to test your mettle, visit the park and be one of the first to experience the ride. Tickets start from £27.99 and are available from www.thorpepark.com.

Derren Brown said: “This has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve undertaken, but without doubt the most enjoyable. Akin to my shows, I ask that when you board the train, the secrets remain mine and yours to share and fear, and you don’t spoil the experience by telling others ahead of their visit.”