As the lights dim, Marina’s band take to the stage. The stage is decorated in cobwebs and skeletons. She glides onto the stage greeted by her Diamonds (her fans) screaming. Opening with The Family Jewels then straight into The Outsider, Marina owns the stage. After waiting what seemed forever for this night, it fast became one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to.

Many critics have labelled her as “the new Kate Bush” and I suppose in some parts her voice is slightly like Kate’s- but Marina is nothing like anyone around now, or before. She doesn’t need to parade on the stage half clothed for anyone to pay her attention. The way she carries herself on stage is exactly how someone who’s career that has lasted decades would carry themselves. Every track off The Family Jewels was played alongside two old tracks, Seventeen and Jealousy. She declared her début album to be dead, “R.I.P. The Family Jewels!” She said she is finished promoting this record and has taken it as far as it can go. Her album is easily one of the best albums of the year and whilst it is sad that it’s her last UK tour for a while, I am sure her second album will be just as stunning.

As an artist, Marina has truly grown. Her live performances now involve costume changes and a brilliant light show. As it is Halloween, it was only right that Marina was dressed up. The night before in Dublin she drank 8 double Jameson which she announced, “R.I.P. Jameson” on stage telling us before she got to Manchester she was throwing up fluorescent sick. Lovely. With it being Halloween, it wasn’t The Family Jewels- it was The Family Ghouls. The Burger Queen tour became The Murder Queen tour, and of course it wasn’t Marina And The Diamonds. It was Marina And The Demons. Her face resembled a zombie, I’m sure she felt like one too after the night she had in Dublin.

Obsessions and Numb were played with just Marina on the piano, which was mind blowing. She had everyone in silence just watching her in awe. She ended her set with Hollywood wearing the most amazing sparkly American flag styled trousers. Only Marina could get away with this. Personally, Guilty was my favourite song of the night. It’s my favourite track off the album and to be able to see it live, finally was worth it.

A lot of artists claim they never thought they would make it. Marina however, knew differently. “I always knew I’d make it.” The self belief Marina has projects onto the crowd making them feel 100% part of this and that they too, can make it. It is artists like Marina that need your attention. Her music is vulnerable, hard hitting, happy and sad. Every emotion that you could possibly feel was felt tonight at the gig

I thought the night could not get any better. I was wrong. So very wrong. Around half an hour after the gig, a barrier was placed around were myself and fellow Diamonds, lo and behold- Marina walks out and greets us all. “Why is the barrier here? We don’t need it.” She spends as much time as she can with us, she is truly the loveliest person I have ever met. None of us could believe that we had met her- I think I’m probably going to be in shock about this for a long time. She truly loves her fans, and we of course, love her back.