Fletcher's sold out show at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle

Due to demand, Fletcher's eagerly anticipated date in the North East resulted in a venue upgrade to the O2 City Hall. A capacity crowd was in attendance to witness the New Jersey-originating artist's Newcastle debut.

Even though there were plenty of entertainment opportunities available on Tyneside on Thursday night, including Eric Clapton at the Utilita Arena and Nashville-based trio The Cadillac Three at NX, Fletcher's Newcastle show seemed like the place to be. And on one of the warmest dates in the city this year, the show was a hot ticket in more ways than one.

Following an opening set from British duo Arxx, Fletcher took to the stage at around 9 pm. The sounds of Carrie by 80's hair metal outfit Europe played over the PA as the lights descended upon the venue and the band took to the stage. The intro music was perfectly apt for the headliner, whose real name is Cari Elise Fletcher.

The star of the show appeared on top of a platform centre stage and illuminated by a white spotlight as she towered over the capacity audience and kicked off the proceedings with Maybe I Am and Sting. By the third number of the set, the singer was at the front of the stage, as Fletcher fired up the audience with Serial Heartbreaker.

Fletcher is currently touring in support of her new album In Search Of The Antidote, which was released in March. And subsequently, the lion’s share of the album was included in the show.

The audience knew the words to every song in the set and sang wholeheartedly at the tops of their voices from the off. An incredibly infectious airing of Pretending and the gargantuan sounds of Ego Talking were highlights of the set early on. The lyrics of the latter appeared on a video wall at the rear, which allowed the fans the opportunity to accompany the artist in an almost karaoke-like style.

Screams resonated around the venue as Fletcher removed her leather jacket. The artist even filmed the audience with a handheld video camera, which appeared on the screens behind her during the emotive If I Hated You. The show featured somewhat of an arena production throughout.

Fletcher was joined onstage by her four-piece backing band that included gifted Los Angeles-based guitarist Lexii Lynn Frazier. The singer had great chemistry with each member of the group and played off them throughout the show. At one point, Fletcher was accompanied by members of her band on a platform above the stage during beautiful stripped-back airings of Joyride and Crush.

Fletcher engaged with the audience throughout. She took the time to read messages from her fans on signs within the crowd. Whilst there was even an impromptu game of rock, paper, scissors with one patron, that ended in tequila shots.

Even though Fletcher hails from the US, the artist acknowledged similarities with their hometown. “Do you guys like Geordie Shore? Do you watch Geordie Shore,” she said. “I’m from the Jersey Shore, so there is some synergy.” Fletcher also acknowledged the crowd's patience in waiting for their rescheduled date.

The main set was concluded with Eras of Us and the ballad Antidote. But what happened next exceeded the audience’s expectations as Fletcher appeared in the centre of the balcony, whilst serenading the audience during Doing Better. Despite the size of both the room and the stage production, the singer made the proceedings feel intimate throughout. The night ended with the anthemic Becky’s So Hot.

Fletcher’s fans might have had to wait a little longer than originally expected for the performer’s date in Newcastle, but it was certainly worth the wait.