Christine and the Queens Manchester Academy overview – music, theatre, fever dream

It’s a daring transfer to play your new album in full, however that’s exactly what Christine and the Queens did final night time, treating the 2300-strong Manchester crowd to Paranoïa, Angels, True Love, launched in June this yr, in its entirety. Those hoping to listen to the hits might have been left wanting. But of their place was a wealthy, fastidiously curated present, stuffed with intrigue. Confident, pared again and hypnotic, it was half gig, half theatre, half fever dream. 

Starting the present with Overture, Tears Can Be So Soft and Marvin Descending, Chris opened proceedings trying otherworldly, in an open waistcoat with naked breasts beneath.

A robust, ethereal being, as a stage presence he transcends. Whether dancing, bashing a bunch of flowers into his chest, or standing utterly nonetheless, he’s pure artwork. You can’t take your eyes off him. 

A Day within the Water, its music ebbing and flowing like waves on the break of daybreak, was a spotlight, as was Angels Crying In My Bed, which options Madonna. 

Indeed, the unique Queen of pop options all through the album, and Madge’s interludes peppered the stay present too. From the Biblical references, to the considerate shock issue, the parallels between the 2 performers are clear. 

Around half manner by way of the present, it misplaced momentum. 

Track 10 – 11 minutes lengthy – felt like a little bit of a slog, and at instances, the present felt as if it was slipping into the flawed aspect of self indulgence.

Yet, regardless of this, Chris’ power by no means waned, and he stored us on aspect. 

Completely naked breasted for a big portion of proceedings, earlier than donning black wings, half angel, half crow, he was mesmeric – a picture of delicate energy. 

Let the Light Lick Out woke us all again up. 

“We are not here to joke about imagination,” Chris informed the gang. “It is the most precious tool that was given.”

And certainly, final night time’s present had creativeness in spades. 

Ending on I Feel Like an Angel and Big Eye, it ended on a excessive. His voice – astounding, easy – hovering into the recent Mancunian air.