The master of psychological illusion returns to the stage with his latest show, Derren Brown: Infamous, which comes to the Cliffs Pavilion next month. He answers our questions about Twitter, telly and what he loves about touring.

Derren, you’re preparing to embark on the second leg of your Infamous tour. 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 well received, but how does criticism 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 make a point I think is worth taking on board.

It was clear quickly via Twitter the show was being well received, and it’s lovely to have that backed up by the press, but aside from the relief that no-one’s complaining about it, I don’t think it has any effect on the show.

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 adrenalin.

Normally I’m fairly quiet and perhaps a little isolated, so that in itself is a lovely feeling and provides a healthy balance.

But aside from that, I get my days free to read or write and am able to travel round the country with a bunch of friends, all of us knowing we’re putting on a great show every night. I can’t imagine anything nicer.

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. And if big things are going on in your partner’s life and you’re not around to support them, that’s hard too.

We’re both very independent and have our own creative things going on, which helps a lot, but we’re going to make more of an effort next year to see each other on the road.

Will there be a new show for 2015? And have you got 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 the recent shows have 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. In the latter case, you’re never sure how much to believe or where his abilities are supposed to end, in which case the potential for drama is very limited.

By putting the focus on members of the public and taking a behind-the-scenes role, I can work with clear drama and storytelling. And it doesn’t have to be huge – some old people swiping a painting can hopefully be every bit as compelling as a guy fighting post-apocalyptic zombies.

There is still a lot of trickery and illusions on show. Would you say 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.

But then stage is different from TV – it’s more enjoyable for me and a much more natural home for that sort of performance. In fact, it’s a huge joy. And it’s theatre, which opens up a new kind of relationship with an audience that doesn’t happen with TV.

I think it’s important in life to do what’s fun, rather than what you feel you ought to be doing. For me now at 42, that means I have less interest in trying to impress people in real life or on TV with magic tricks, but a greater delight in trying to create these theatre shows.

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.

You are also writing another book. Fact or fiction?

I’m taking my time with the current book. And it’s not fiction – I’m not sure if I could write a novel, as I don’t really read them.

And finally…you have 1.6 million followers on Twitter but who are you currently following?

Ha – I only follow 60 or so people. It’s a mix – Alain de Botton for my daily aphorisms, a handful of friends who use Twitter very well or make me laugh, and a few liberal intellectual types.

Derren Brown: Infamous Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff Tuesday, May 27 to Saturday, May 31 Tickets, priced £32-39, from 01702 351135 or southendtheatres.org.uk