Reviews

Indeed, as the opening bars to Elvis Costello’s Watching the Detectives fade away (an obvious heads-up to the British new wave influence that helped No Doubt achieve fame on a global scale), it becomes immediately apparent that Stefani’s chameleon-like approach to music is exactly what makes her so captivating.

Coming straight in with the title track from her second solo album, The Sweet Escape, Stefani - along with her troupe of Harajuku girls and male dancers - takes no time in whipping the extremely varied crowd (think teenage girls, hen parties and long-time hangers-on) into a dancing frenzy.

Here diamante-studded capes and Christian Dior suits go hand-in-hand with urban tracksuits and French maid outfits. And as the lights shift to bright white for Rich Girl, it is clear that theatricals continue to play no small role in her stage shows, as she runs around in what becomes a comical cops-and-robbers caper.

And when it comes to keeping the audience on its toes, she is short of no tricks either. Whether it’s a baroque, piano-led introduction to What You Waiting For? or an extended, almost tribal Wind It Up, the overall impression was that no two shows are ever the same on this tour.

After an extremely enjoyable 90-minute set, Stefani confirmed the rumours that her next album will be with her old band. And although trying to pick up where you left off before a three-year hiatus will almost certainly not be without its difficulties, Gwen Stefani left the crowd in no doubt that she will be with us for a long time yet.