Cardiff in November, cold and wet as usual, but as I turn a corner a queue of people line the pavement, well past nearby Little Man Coffee – young and old, all in good spirits despite the weather. Tonight is Cardiff’s turn to be entertained by Irish pop-rockers The Script, who are on their Satellites world tour.

Support tonight is Tom Walker, with his trademark beard, beanie hat and cheeky smile. He starts the evening with new material, the crowd immediately immersing themselves in his soulful aura, and partway through his performance addresses the audience: telling us how, on an American tour, the crowd were unfamiliar with the lyrics of the song he was about to sing. Just You & I, dedicated to his wife, is performed as a duet with one of his band members – Laura Oakes, also a UK country artist – with the crowd singing along knowing every word and Tom beaming at the response.

And so to the main event: the auditorium lights go out, the crowd cheer and a procession of lights start at the back of the hall, making their way down the pit gate, stage left. Flanked by security, The Script’s lead singer Danny O’Donoghue walks through the crowd, smiling and high-fiving as he goes: forever the showman, dressed tonight in a long, black-tailed coat and sparkling red shirt.

As The Script open their live show with You Won’t Feel A Thing, the stage presence of this man is immense. Danny moves down into the pit to sing Script anthem Superheroes, engaging with the audience, handing the microphone to most as he moves across the front row. We’re treated to a solid portion of latest album Satellites, amidst classics like The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, Breakeven and Hall Of Fame.

After the sad passing of founding member Mark Sheehan in 2023 – with the guitarist paid tribute on album and tour alike – it’s fair to say The Script are back. A new future for the band awaits, with Mark always present in mind and spirit – quite rightly so.

The Script + Tom Walker, Utilita Arena Cardiff, Mon 18 Nov

words and photos ANTHONY CONWAY