Beyonce dazzles critics and fans as she kicks off Renaissance tour

Beyonce's Renaissance show has been branded a triumph as she kicked off in a bodysuit featuring hands strategically placed to protect her modesty.

The Halo singer is set to perform more than 50 dates on her world tour – with stops along the way including Cardiff, Edinburgh and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London – and got started with a dazzling show in Stockholm.

Featuring hits such as Crazy In Love, Diva and Run The World and plenty of eye-catching outfits, the show bowled over the critics on its debut at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

Read more: Beyonce fans 'fuming' as they struggle to get tour tickets amid 'huge demand'

Writing in The Guardian, Malcolm Jack said it was a "a dizzying three-hour spectacular" and that the show was a "monster blockbuster concert experience on a different plane".

Giving it five out of five stars, he wrote: "Queen Bey’s first solo headline tour in seven years is a lavish leap forward for live entertainment, dripping with sci-fi disco decadence, sex and Black pride."

The New York Times agreed the show was a "spectacle" but said that while there were "elaborate visuals", Beyonce's own performance "was far less physical than on past tours".

"She often seemed to keep her feet stationary while shaking her upper body, and appeared to favour one leg," said the reviewer, noting that it had sparked some speculation among fans about whether the singer had injured herself.

Billboard said there were "many stunning moments".

It referred to one highlight that came during Cozy, when the chart-topper was accompanied by robotic arms that followed her movements.

Beyonce's army of fans, known as the BeyHive, were equally enamoured with her new show.

One tweeted: "I think this is the best Beyoncé has ever looked on tour, the best tour visuals and choreography, the most interactive tour… everything looks amazing and NEW!"

"Just wow, the Queen never disappoints!!" said somebody else.

One said the singer had been "incredible" as she wowed everyone at the Friends Arena.

Another said: "I loved that performance.

Read more: Beyoncé sends fans into frenzy with nearly-naked dress photo

"Great costumes, vocals, dancers all are amazing."

Watch: Beyonce flew from the stage on a disco horse as she closed her first 'Renaissance' concert