Leeds First Direct Arena is blessed with welcoming some of music’s biggest names each year but something felt that little bit extra special during Kendrick Lamar’s Thursday evening show.
At times, the Leeds leg of The Big Steppers Tour had a sense of immersive theatre with a clear flowing narrative running throughout the ever-evolving stage production. Lamar, 35, who headlined Leeds Festival to great acclaim back in 2018, kicked things off with a little help from a ventriloquist dummy - the 'Mini Me' was possibly something of a curveball for the uninitiated.
That was just one example of the intrigue which carried the night and led the crowd into unexpected turns. Another coming in the form of Dame Helen Mirren taking on the role of narrator and therapist. The pre-recorded voiceover helped guide the masses and cleverly fill the gaps as set-pieces were prepared.
