Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour is no costume drama

The queen of pop had delayed the start of her North American dates because she wanted the show to be “perfect” for fans.

So she was determined to put on a spectacle when she stepped out in Montreal, Canada, for the first of 64 dates around the world, with a stream of costume changes and dance routines.

The 57-year-old Material Girl took to the stage in a dramatic red and black cloak, “imprisoned” in a cage made of spears.

She was joined by dancers dressed as warriors, who carried her hanging upside down on a pole, despite the elaborate nature of her costume.

The star later stripped down to a more streamlined Chinese-style coat, performing with dancers holding striking red fans. She later showed off her “axe” skills, picking up her guitar and kneeling before her adoring fans in true rock goddess pose.

Madonna’s bullfighter cape made the headlines earlier this year when she performed on the Brits stage. As she struggled to unfasten it, she toppled backwards in a nasty fall.