When evaluating the success of her debut album ‘The Family Jewels’, Marina Diamandis seemed a bit put out, telling journalists she couldn’t understand why she wasn’t more famous. It was one of several hints that fame and celebrity were what she craved, a desire that would surely have swelled after her time supporting Katy Perry in America’s enormodomes. Back in the UK’s modest, mid-sized venues with a new album to build anticipation around, it’d be so easy for her to turn up her nose and throw a diva strop.

On her first night back on the road though, she seems genuinely happy to be here, cheerfully sashaying around the stage looking like Alice in Wonderland on a trip to California. Opening with a stripped back ‘Radioactive’, Marina’s voice sounds raspier than usual, the occasional crack creeping in. Whether it’s just nerves or an adverse effect of the winter, she doesn’t say, soldiering on to perform a stunning set that sees her inhabit that global superstar role she longs for.

Joined by the rest of her band, she leads the 800 strong crowd in flawless renditions of ‘Are You Satisfied?’ and ‘I Am Not A Robot’ but it’s the new material that is the most impressive tonight. ‘Homewrecker’, propulsive rave-pop at its finest, shows the fruits of sessions with Dr Luke and Stargate, whilst ‘Prima Donna’ – irresistible euphoria that sees Marina flit from demure to ballsy pop queen – gets an airing for the first time. “I’m nervous,” she giggles beforehand, soon drowned out by supportive cheers from the audience.

Later, on ‘Starring Role’, she sings “I’d rather walk alone than play a supporting role”. It’s about relationships but could easily translate to her desire for fame. After a performance as engaging and dynamic as this, the spotlight will soon be shining on Marina.

Rhian Daly