Although she’s on the bill as the support act, it’s pretty clear that many people are here to check out Lady Gaga, and from the opening moments of her set – a bizarre short film about her alter ego, Candy Warhol – it’s clear we’re in for quite a ride.

Gaga’s act is glossy, loud, and hilariously high concept, with pummelling electro beats and super slick ‘80s-referencing synths, but she has the panache as a performer to pull it off. Opening with the slinky Paparazzi, she works her delirious way through Lovegame and Just Dance, delivering cryptic speeches about pop art and the nature of fame.

The wackiest is definitely saved for last – rocking a dress made entirely of plastic bubbles, Gaga sits at a clear piano as she belts out an angry and sorta frightening cabaret version of her hit Poker Face. 10 minutes, a number of interludes and an outfit change later, the familiar synth intro starts playing, the backup dancers emerge, and everyone goes nuts. I’m just gonna say it – Gaga is awesome, already a super talented performer, and by the time her second album comes around, she oughta be unstoppable.

Words by Alasdair Duncan for Rave Magazine

Photos by Kylie Keene for Rave Magazine