Review: The Script At Cardiff Castle
From the moment they stepped on stage, it was hit after hit, with the whole crowd singing every word. Emotional and so, so full of heart, they reminded us exactly why they're one of the best live acts out there.
From the moment The Lottery Winners took to the stage, it was clear that Cardiff Castle was in for a night of high‑octane fun. Frontman Thom Rylance bounded around the stage like a human spark plug—bantering with fans, riffing with the sign‑language interpreter and even accepting a belt mid‑song, yet never losing sight of the band’s knack for earworm melodies. Their set, drawn from two UK number‑one albums, proved the perfect palate‐cleanser: buoyant choruses, punchy riffs and just the right amount of chaos to prime the crowd for the main event.
As dusk settled, the first chords of “Superheroes” rang out—and so did the raindrops. A soft, cinematic shower descended just as Danny O’Donoghue and co. kicked off their set, turning Cardiff Castle’s ancient walls into a glittering backdrop for a rain‑soaked singalong. Far from dampening spirits, the weather felt almost choreographed, especially when they dove straight into “Rain” and the audience raised their voices in gleeful defiance of the drizzle.
O’Donoghue was in full raconteur mode. He laughed off his newly acquired black eye—acquired in a “sparked‑out” mishap with a mate—tossed his shades to an ecstatic fan and even pulled someone onstage for an impromptu duet. At times he disappeared into the crowd, making each corner of the arena feel like front‑row centre. Throughout a blistering 14‑song run (including a two‑song encore), classics like “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” “Breakeven,” “For the First Time” and of course, “Hall of Fame” which shot sparks from every chorus, the audience matching the band’s energy decibel for decibel.
When confetti cannons cracked and the performance came to a close under a cascade of sparkle, it didn’t feel like just another gig, more so, it was a reminder of why The Script remain one of Ireland’s finest exports. A sold‑out Castle crowd, a perfect storm of hits and heartfelt moments, and a band still clearly in love with what they do: this was one of the most memorable Cardiff Castle concerts we have seen in a very long time!
If you get the chance to see a gig in Cardiff Castle, take it, because there really is no other venue quite like it!
