The Script – Live Review – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
By Kirsty Masterman, July 2025
On an overcast July evening in North Yorkshire, I take to my seat at Scarborough Open Air Theatre for the first time. The weather threatening to break, but thankfully behaving itself… for now. This is the second concert in as many nights for me and my daughter and we are excited to see how this seaside venue holds up.
With central stage-facing seats, we sit back soaking up the atmosphere as we’ve arrived a little early. Tonight’s show is a sell-out and it’s no surprise really as Brit-award winner Tom Walker kicks things off.
Bounding onto the stage strumming his guitar, the award-winning artist sings his way through an incredible set, showcasing his powerful soulful voice with crowd favourites including ‘Leave A Light On’, ‘Not Giving In’ and ‘Just You and I’ – a song I believe he wrote for his Yorkshire wife. An outstanding set, worthy of a headline gig of his own.
“Explosive start”
The Script hit the stage bang on 8.45, their scheduled time, and get off to an explosive start. Bursting onto the stage with ‘Superheroes’ and confetti cannons, the energy of the crowd suddenly increases ten-fold as the Irish band show off their guitar riffs and dance moves.
Led by frontman Danny O’Donoghue, the Irish chart-toppers deliver a powerful 90-minute performance of their hits from across their 24-year career, which, if I’m honest, I didn’t realise there were so many. Danny’s vocals are on point, and his Irish charm has the audience warming to him from the very start.
A few songs in, and Danny takes a well-earned pause to engage with the audience, something this guy does well, making everyone feel a part of the show.
As he dedicates ‘If You Could See Me Now’ to Mark Sheehan, the band’s former guitarist and co-founder, he has the audience hanging on his every word. He certainly strikes a chord as he talks about the importance of live music and living in the moment, reflecting on how music has helped him through some dark times.
“A very special turn”
‘Inside Out’ is next, before the frontman’s attention is drawn to a member of the audience wearing a veil – a fan named Abi, who, when questioned, reveals she got engaged to this next song. Connection made and the night suddenly takes a very special turn for this particular fan as Danny invites her onto the stage to sit beside him as the band play the heartfelt song, ‘Never Seen Anything Quite Like You’.
As the magical moment comes to an end, and Abi presents Danny with a wedding invite, the charmer asks, “Are you looking for a band? We can do covers… covers of Script songs that is” and the audience erupts into fits of laughter.
As she leaves the stage, another couple announce they just got engaged during the song, to which Danny quips, “This next song is dedicated to you guys, ‘Before the Worst’, because the worst is about to come.” He is of course joking, but it certainly makes the audience chuckle.
As the first few notes of ‘Nothing’ are struck, Danny announces that he is “coming down there” and proceeds to leap from the stage and wander through the crowd for the duration of the song, his security frantically trying to keep up with him. This is audience interaction at its best, and even though we are seated, it feels like a very special moment.
“Amazing”
Green flares soar across the crowd as ‘Paint the Town Green’ rings out, before the ‘final’ song ‘For the First Time’ ends what has been 90 minutes of fantastic music.
The show ends with a powerful encore of ‘Home Is Where the Hurt Is’, ‘Breakeven’ and ‘Hall of Fame’.
As the band leave the stage, Danny’s parting words of, “Scarborough, it’s nights like these when we are only ever as good as the crowd – and you’ve been amazing tonight” are reciprocated with screams and cheers.
It has certainly been a weekend of contrasts. From the rolling hills of West Yorkshire to coastal North Yorkshire, pop-punk to indie. But one thing is for sure, these outdoor gigs certainly hit the mark.
Images: Cuffe & Taylor
After studying English and Creative Writing at university, Kirsty started working as an editor for PA Media way back in 2003, joining On Yorkshire in 2023. With a passion for travel and writing, the chance to combine the two became a reality for her in 2010 when she was offered the chance to visit Portugal to review a new resort. Since then, she has never looked back. Live music, theatre and restaurant reviews followed enabling her to combine all her interests. Kirsty now travels the world, reviewing some of the best hotels, restaurants and travel destinations. She particularly enjoys seeking out child-friendly places so that she can showcase destinations and experiences that can be enjoyed by parents alongside their children.
