Gig review: Girls Aloud at Motorpoint Arena

The Girls Aloud show at Motorpoint kicked off with a selection of y2k bangers from DJ Mr. Theo, bringing a selection of tracks that would be very much at home at Bodega’s noughties inspired night, Shameless. Fans danced their way into the stadium in pink sequin tops, retro Girls Aloud shirts from back in their heyday, all smiles. It was lovely to see some of the old school fans bringing their children to the show who were getting hyped to the mix of 2020s pop queens such as Sabrina Carpenter and 00s icons Gwen Stefani and The Pussycat Girls.

But before long, it was time for the Girls. The curtain dropped revealing Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh and Cheryl Tweedy in the air on suspended platforms to sing Untouchable. Perhaps not the most obvious opener for the band given their extensive catalogue of chart-topping singles, but an excellent tone-setter for the night. Video footage of Sarah Harding flashed on the screens behind them, embedding her memory within the poignant lyrics of the song that celebrate pushing through difficult times and fighting to the bitter end.

The girls were then brought to the ground, ready to break out into The Show – a track absolutely dripping with sass. Strutting their stuff in white rhinestones, they travelled across their horseshoe shaped staging to perform to all sides of the arena. Joined by their dancers for full choreography, the heat continued to rise with three major Girls Aloud classics; Something New, Love Machine and Can’t Speak French. For the latter track, the band leaned into the campness with some prop fans and some cheeky moves. While there’s no beating the fact that the foursome are all much older than they were when they started, they still gave their all to the choreo, with any slip-ups or imperfections adding to the authenticity of the evening, and the whole ethos of problems-at-the-door fun.

Audience members could easily join in with some of the iconic moves from tracks like Biology and Long Hot Summer and at other times were dazzled by the spectacle of it. I’m talking huge floating motorcycles, giant red inflatable dresses and fiery pyrotechnics. They really do know how to put on a show. These showy aspects did not take away from the fact that the vocals remained stunning and incredibly consistent, especially for a group eleven years from their last tour. They’re incredibly cohesive, and the show as a whole is meticulously planned.

Sarah Harding remained central throughout the celebrations, particularly with I’ll Stand By You – the girls’ cover of The Pretenders ballad. Sarah’s vocals reverberated around the stadium during this incredibly emotional tribute, before being joined by Nicola, Kimberley, Cheryl and Nadine with their beautifully constructed harmonies. In the images presented, her infectiously bubbly personality was well portrayed, and her powerful voice captured and amplified in her memory. Phone lights lit up the arena, heaving with love for the late star.

We saw four different costume changes throughout the night, as the band moved through their extensive discography, serving hit after hit. Their back-up dancers remained on point and provided that showy oomph to bring the arena to life. Plus, who can say no to big top hats and massive fluffy feathers?

During the encore, the band emerged in matching golden gowns for their final song, The Promise. Behind them, sparks rained down to see off the evening before the music cut to reveal just Sarah’s vocals, acapella. Powered by their love for ‘our Sarah’, Girls Aloud brought the energy, the fire but also a true celebration of Sarah Harding in a respectful and deeply beautiful way.

Girls Aloud performed at Motorpoint Arena on 12th June 2024.

@nottinghamarena