Gig Review | Mika shines at the AO Arena in Manchester on the first night of his world tour
Mika’s Manchester stop on his ‘Spinning Out’ global tour was a vibrant, high-energy celebration of all things pop.
Not happy with just walking on stage – this is Mika we’re talking about – he made his entrance on a spinning hamster wheel, bathing the AO Arena in kaleidoscopic lights.
Opening with ‘Modern Times’ and ‘Eleven’ from his latest discography before leaning into one of the classics, ‘Relax, Take it Easy’, the atmosphere inside the packed arena felt charged.
His stamina was something that stood out from the get-go, delivering every track with that signature Mika flair, accompanied by choreography and a live band that matched his energy – no mean feat.
The production leaned heavily into colour and movement, with swirling visuals and playful stage design that mirrored the tour’s theme of motion and momentum with nods to themes of LGBTQ+ rights.
Working through this current album, and after a quick outfit change, we were treated to an a cappella intro to another classic, ‘Lollipop’ with Mika dressed in a full pink suit (and shoes).
Between songs, Mika’s easy rapport with the crowd added warmth and intimacy to the arena-sized performance.
He shared anecdotes and playful banter, encouraging the crowd to sing along, uniting the fans.
Highlights included a rendition of ‘Grace Kelly’, which sparked one of the loudest reactions of the night, and a heartfelt performance of his more reflective ‘Happy Ending’ offered a welcome contrast to the glittering pop anthems.
Ultimately, Mika’s Manchester show was more than just a concert; it was a true display of showmanship, artistry, and connection.
Blending theatrical pop with genuine emotional depth, he delivered a performance that felt both grand and deeply personal.
And for those of you wondering what seeing Mika on a big hamster wheel looked like, it was even more surreal than you can possibly imagine.
No, really…
@the.manc What a performance, hats off to Mika 👏 #themanc #mika #aoarena #manchester #spinningouttour ♬ original sound – The Manc
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For fans old and new, it was a dazzling reminder of Mika’s powerful ability to spin pure joy into a live experience
You can read our other recent review of a big Manc pop gig here in the city centre down below.
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Featured Images — The Manc Group