Review of Pet Shop Boys Dreamworld tour at Manchester’s Co-op Live

This was the latest stop on the synth-pop dance duo’s Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live worldwide tour – a compilation of their hit singles, which started in Milan in May 2022 after a series of Covid setbacks.

The impressive new arena, having now overcome opening teething problems, is well serviced by public transport.

Inside features a good variety of bars and food outlets in spacious zones, with neon lit escalators and posters of rock star giants at every turn.

The duo performed at Manchester's new Co-op Live arena

Pet Shop Boys’ unique style sounded superb within this state-of-the-art acoustics venue.

Neil Tennant, who turns 70 next month, still has a fabulous voice, and Chris Lowe, originally from Blackpool, continues to be charismatic on the synthesizer.

The act rattled through their hits, starting with Suburbia, Opportunities, Rent and Domino Dancing, with the audience chiming in ‘all day, all day, watch them all fall down’.

Their new single Jealousy was given an airing from their new album Nonetheless, before the set list continued with classics You Were Always On My Mind, What Have I Done to Deserve This?, Go West and It’s A Sin.

Neil Tennant (right) and Chris Lowe from Pet Shop Boys performing on stage. Picture: PA

The almost-full arena was lapping it up, with the crowd dancing in the aisles – it was like being at a gigantic disco party.

As the night drew to a close, there was a rapturous reception for their debut single West End Girls, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, with a finale song of Being Boring.

As the masses streamed out into the traditional pouring Manchester rain, I can confirm that this concert was anything but boring.