Britney SpearsBritney Spears made her first stage appearance in nearly three years last night at the San Diego House of Blues.

Rumours started circulating last week that Britney was to take to the stage under the name “The M&Ms” and reports claim that the $35 tickets for the 1000 capacity venue were changing hands for between $200-$500 by early yesterday evening in anticipation of Britney’s performance.

Britney appeared on stage shortly after 10pm and performed for just over 15 minutes, singing five of her old songs including her first hit ‘Baby One More Time’ and ‘Toxic’ from 2003. She is said to have choreographed the set herself, including routines for her back-up dancers and incorporating light and smoke effects.

Showing off her newly toned body, Britney wore a short pleated white skirt, white boots and a sparkling top that was little more than a bra for most of the set but swapped the skirt for a denim one at one point and also wore a white furry bolero for her entrance at the start of the set.

Some audience members have complained that she barely addressed the crowd and that she was miming for most, if not all, the set but most were just glad to see Britney back on stage rather than just in the tabloids.

One fan told Los Angeles TV station KNBC: “I think she worked the stage, her body looked great. So it was good to see her finally come back and prove us all wrong.”

Another fan is quoted in the Daily Mail as saying: “She was absolutely fantastic. You would never know she had been away.”

“The M&Ms” are set to perform at more House of Blues venues - in Anaheim and on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles - today and tomorrow respectively but an inside source told People magazine that these shows are just the beginning: “It’s kind of warming up. That’s probably the best way to describe it.”

The owner of the Millennium Dance Studios - where Britney has been seen regularly rehearsing since leaving rehab in March - added that Britney has definitely got some new material in the works: “They’ll be in the style we are all used to, the pop thing. But she’s got bigger plans brewing, with music and dancing that’s a break from her old stuff. She’s really excited about that.”