'I went to Katy Perry's Lifetimes tour in Australia - these are my brutally honest thoughts'
OPINION -- As I walked through the doors of Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena to see Katy Perry on Tuesday night, I wasn't sure what to expect.
I hastily bought tickets months ago for my sister, my mum and myself, fuelled entirely by nostalgia for perhaps the best pop album ever made – Teenage Dream.
But as the show approached, videos of the tour emerged online calling Perry's Lifetime's Tour "bizarre" and "weird".
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As I walked through the doors of Qudos Bank Arena to see Katy Perry, I wasn't sure what to expect. WireImage
A sinking feeling hit the pit of my stomach – did I make a mistake by indulging my nostalgia cravings?
Well, I saw the concert last night and this was my overriding thought:
I had the time of my life.
Yes, the show is a bit weird, but once you wrap your head around the concept it's pretty entertaining to watch.
The show is set inside a dystopian video game world, where Katy Perry (whose character is called KP-143) has to fight against an AI called the Mainframe.
The stage design was incredible; it's up there with one of the best stage productions I've ever seen at a concert. Mikala Theocharous
Yes, the show is a bit weird, but once you wrap your head around the concept, it's pretty entertaining to watch. WireImage
Each set of songs is performed within a "level" of the game, until she eventually reaches the "End Game" where she fights Mainframe while belting out E.T.
The stage design was incredible; it's up there with one of the best stage productions I've ever seen at a concert. At points it felt more like I was watching a high-production musical rather than a concert.
The stage is shaped like a figure-eight, with lights pulsating from the entire edge.
There were also huge props, lasers, inflatables, several costume changes; the list goes on.
Was it ridiculous and over the top? Yes, but it was FUN, DAMNIT!
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The props were a bit over the top - but it was FUN. Mikala Theocharous
The memes and criticisms that have been circulating online are 30 seconds of a 2.5 hour-jam-packed-show.
She could have pulled off any stunts she wanted without the overarching plot if she wished.
If Katy Perry wanted to fly around on a giant butterfly or dress like a robot (both of which happened), I think she could have done so without the storyline, because she's Katy Perry.
In terms of vocals and performance, she killed it. I was also thoroughly impressed with her aerial acrobatic skills.
She also did a good mix of newer songs and ones from her older albums, which I appreciated because I bought the tickets to hear the stuff that I grew up with.
I knew I had made the right decision when the three of us leapt to our feet at the opening notes of California Girls.
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I knew I had made the right decision when the three of us leapt to our feet at the opening notes of California Girls. Mikala Theocharous
I also appreciated the acoustic set; it was lovely to hear Perry's raw vocals without the over-the-top production.
So, If anyone is on the fence about going, I'd say screw the online haters, get yourself a ticket and enjoy the show!
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