The excitement is palpable as the public awaits a revolutionary new “ghost train attraction” opening at Thorpe Park near London this spring. The man behind the concept is TV illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown, famed for his ability to control the behaviour of others.

“With the creative and operational teams at Thorpe Park and Merlin Magic Making [MMM], we’re completely reinventing the concept of a ghost train for the 21st century,” says Brown. “The experience will rewrite the rules of what a theme park attraction can deliver.”

The 13-minute multi-sensory experience promises to combine VR technology (using HTC Vive headsets), grand illusion and live action with a 4D dark ride, central to which is a 20-metre (66-foot) Victorian train carriage – seemingly suspended in mid-air. The themeing is modelled on a real Victorian train depot near Willesden Junction, with every architectural detail recreated by the MMM team.

“We’re using everything from Victorian techniques – Pepper’s Ghost, for example – to the latest technology,” says Paul Moreton, MMM global creative director.

“It’s the mix of different elements that create the experience. We’ll be specifically using virtual reality, but this isn’t a VR ghost train. VR will enhance the experience rather than be the experience,” Moreton says.

It’s understood that there are 12 possible journeys, and two different outcomes.

Brown’s carefully crafted hidden-camera TV shows feature psychological control and hypnotism. He’s persuaded strangers to commit robbery, land a plane or believe they’re the last person on the planet.

Most details of Derren Brown’s Ghost Train are being kept under wraps, but the ride is meant to leave guests questioning where perception ends and reality begins.

“I firmly believe that this kind of multi-sensory, mind-blowing attraction represents a glimpse of what the future holds for theme parks the world over,” says Brown.

Brown has been working on the project in secret with Merlin for the past three years. It’s involved the work of more than 1,000 specialists and represents Thorpe Park’s biggest investment to date.

“This is not an experience for the faint-hearted,” Brown says, adding that no further details will be revealed.