Sting's The Last Ship Musical Returns with Shaggy in Brisbane
Sting, the legendary musician with 17 Grammys, is back in a shipyard—this time on stage in Brisbane, Australia. In the renewed version of his musical The Last Ship, Sting takes on the leading role of foreman Jackie White, navigating the threat of his shipyard's closure while grappling with failing health. The production, now running at Queensland Performing Arts Centre's new Glasshouse Theatre, also features reggae icon Shaggy as the Wallsend Ferryman, adding warmth and charm to the performance.
A Personal Journey from Wallsend to the Stage
Sting's connection to the shipyard theme is deeply personal. Growing up in Wallsend, northern England, he lived in the literal shadow of the Swan Hunter factory, where massive ships blocked the sun and thousands of workers passed his house daily. A childhood epiphany during a royal visit—seeing the Queen Mother in a black Rolls-Royce—inspired him to seek a life beyond the "belly of a metal beast." This led to his iconic career as the frontman of the Police and a solo artist. Now at 74, Sting returns to these roots through The Last Ship, using the musical to thank his community and make amends for his departure.
Immersive Set and Musical Score
Inside the Glasshouse Theatre, the stage transforms into an industrial landscape with towering metal scaffolding and the imposing bow of a vessel. The set, designed by the renowned projection company 59 Studio, blends digital projections seamlessly with physical scenery, creating a striking and immersive experience. Sting wrote the music and lyrics, drawing from his 1991 album The Soul Cages and generations of family ties to shipbuilding. The score features folk, ballads, and choral numbers, including familiar songs like Island of Souls, All This Time, and When We Dance.
Cast Performances and Narrative Strengths
Sting's presence is a major draw for audiences, bringing rugged authenticity to his role, though his performance is more understated compared to some castmates. His voice, while not as powerful as in his Roxanne era, still resonates with sincerity. Shaggy showcases his versatility, stretching beyond his reggae roots with a charming performance. The wider cast sustains the production, with standout performances from Lauren Samuels as Meg Dawson and Joe Caffrey as union leader Billy Thompson. The ensemble shines in choral moments, emphasizing themes of collective strength and community.
Critique and Emotional Ambitions
The Last Ship, first developed in 2011 and premiered in 2014, has been updated with new scenes, music, and characters. The show starts slowly but gains momentum in the second act, though the ending feels rushed, with too many threads tied up quickly. A tighter narrative could trim its nearly three-hour runtime. The central love story between Meg and Gideon Fletcher (played by Declan Bennett) is a weak point, as it's hard to root for a character who disappears for 17 years without contact. Despite this, the musical explores powerful themes like mortality, labor, identity, and the tension between tradition and progress, resonating with contemporary issues like job security and collective action.
Brisbane's Cultural Significance
The inclusion of Brisbane in The Last Ship's international run—alongside cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and New York—marks a significant moment for Queensland Performing Arts Centre. It positions Brisbane as a global destination for the arts, showcasing the city's growing cultural footprint. The production runs until 3 May, offering audiences a heartfelt, if sometimes cloying, exploration of community and redemption through Sting's sincere storytelling.
