Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Glasgow review: 'buzzing'

Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Hydro, Glasgow ★★★

A mere 12 years since the dancing Tunnock's teacakes and the strutting Scottie dogs of Glasgow's previous curtain raiser to the Commonwealth Games, the boutique sequel was heralded by an opening ceremony with a roof over it.

Back in 2014, the Hydro was hailed as the second most attended arena in the world (after Madison Square Gardens), a space built for theatrical transformation, primed for spectacle and, on this occasion, it was buzzing with polite anticipation.

For many of the musical artists spearheading the opening hoolie this was not their first go on the Hydro swings but the supporting cast of 490 volunteers primed under Roxana Cole's direction was surely unprecedented.

Chris Hoy and Greg McHugh starred in the opening skit, culminating in the King and Queen emerging from the Tardis. Then, with little ado, it was straight into the parade of competing athletes, representing 74 nations and territories, each carrying a baton to be “planted” in Amalie White's wild garden set inspired by the Glasgow Garden Festival of 1988.

Cue an epic shift from Valtos, exponents of chilled Celtronica, to soundtrack the procession. Glasgow-based Nigerian rapper Bemz chose his moment to rhyme between announcements of the African teams, while singer and broadcaster Shereen Cutkelvin provided the manicured, soulful welcome to the nations of the Americas and the tunes hotted up as the seats around the arena filled up.

READ MORE: Glasgow puts on opening party for Games that almost never were

Pipers and drummers took their place all around the auditorium as the ample Scottish contingent enjoyed their moment, only to be upstaged by an animatronic Nessie.

Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx provided a hearty sentimental accompaniment to a set-piece paying tribute to the city's workers swarming under a replica of the Central Station clock, while soul singer Gaia and rapper/singer Eyve, both new Scots, wore outfits paying tribute to Glasgow's art and artisan traditions.

Callum Beattie helmed a pumping rendition of alternative Scottish national anthem Yes Sir I Can Boogie flanked by disco unicorns and dancing Barrowland stars. Nina Nesbitt, backed by the sublime Madrigals choir, offered a floaty 500 Miles as the King's Baton completed its odyssey. An angsty Tom Walker and an ebullient and gutsy KT Tunstall then showcased their chart wares, in a Scottish jukebox finale rounded off by Evans and an honorary teacake suspended from the ceiling.

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