THE Pet Shop Boys' loyal fans came from far and wide to watch their idols in action.

The captivated audience were treated to a two hour celebration of their records in a visual extravaganza of dance and sharp lighting effects from the ironic musical pair - singer Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe.

The duo once had a hit with a song called Being Boring - but they were far from that last night.

Crowds packed into the compact Oasis venue in anticipation of a great show, as part of the Pet Shop Boys' UK tour, and they were not left disappointed.

Tennant opened the show with the line: "Good evening Swindon - this will be an evening of electronic entertainment," to rapturous applause from the gathered faithful.

He was keen to get the crowd involved but they needed no encouragement with much arm waving and cheering.

The 1988 Ivor Novello award winners kept their audience cheering throughout contemporary tunes, including the lead single from their album Fundamental - I'm With Stupid, a track inspired by the relationship between George Bush and Tony Blair, and also another hit Minimal.

These were mixed in with some classic numbers to bring back happy memories flooding back into the minds of the many thirty-somethings present.

Arguably their most famous hits got the biggest cheer.

Their first number one record West End Girls in 1986 was followed shortly after with It's a Sin, and Go West.

The backdrop of the stage was filled with a large projection screen and surrounding neon lighting.

It displayed various images including the Pet Shop Boys in a bubble of fame which all helped to add visual impact to the outstanding performance.

It was interesting to visualise the juxa-position of the boys embracing their entire generation of music just through their costumes alone.

Tennant wore a traditional black top hat and tails and Lowe was dressed in a fluorescent yellow hoodie and baseball cap.

They were joined on stage with three singers and two male teenage dancers - although the latters' performance left a lot to be desired.

The Pet Shop Boys, who have released more than ten albums during their 23 years existence, were a hit with the delirious crowd, including one fan who had travelled all the way from Germany to see her heroes in action.

Michaela Gantner, 32, from Baden-Baden had also been to see them play at Hammersmith in London the evening before but told the Adver this was a better performance.

She said: "They sounded brilliant tonight, so good.

"They write their songs from the soul and I emphasise with that. The lyrics are so meaningful it is as if they have written it for me.

"I have been a fan from their beginning and always will support them wherever they go."

Mary Sands, 35, had not come from quite so far.

"They put on a really good show," said Mary, from central Swindon.

"I really like electronic music and they performed some great songs.

"My husband and I were happy to be here. It was a great occasion."

Julia and Martin Taylor travelled from Bristol and also enjoyed themselves.

"This was the first time we have seen them play and we were very impressed.

"West End Girls is our favourite song as it was their first single, so we have fond memories of it growing up."

Another delighted punter was Simon Johnson, 35, from Milton Keynes. He said: "Their music has defined my life - they are just the best.

"I have grown up listening to their music and have seen them play live 30 times. They keep getting better.

"Tonight was a great night."