Sting Returns to Shipyard Roots in Brisbane Musical Revival
Sting, the legendary musician with 17 Grammys to his name, is revisiting his childhood memories in a powerful new production of his musical The Last Ship at Brisbane's Glasshouse Theatre. Now 74, the artist takes on the leading role of foreman Jackie White, a character grappling with the impending closure of a shipyard and his own failing health. This renewed version of the musical, which first premiered in 2014, features additional scenes and updated characters, bringing a fresh perspective to the story.
A Personal Journey from Wallsend to the Stage
Growing up in Wallsend, northern England, Sting literally lived in the shadow of the Swan Hunter shipyard, where massive vessels blocked the sun and thousands of workers passed his house daily. A childhood epiphany during a royal visit inspired him to seek a life beyond the shipyard, leading to his iconic career with the Police and as a solo artist. In The Last Ship, Sting draws on his 1991 album The Soul Cages and generations of family ties to the shipbuilding industry, creating a score that blends folk, ballads, and choral numbers. Fans will recognise songs like Island of Souls, All This Time, and When We Dance, which add emotional depth to the narrative.
Star-Studded Cast and Immersive Set Design
Joining Sting on stage is reggae icon Shaggy, who brings warmth and charm to the role of the Wallsend Ferryman, a character who watches over Jackie. While Sting's performance is understated yet authentic, Shaggy stretches beyond his reggae roots, showcasing versatility in his singing. The production also features standout performances from Lauren Samuels as Meg Dawson and Joe Caffrey as union leader Billy Thompson, who add complexity and strength to the ensemble. The set, designed by 59 Studio, transforms the stage into an industrial landscape with towering metal scaffolding and the imposing bow of a vessel, using digital projections that blend seamlessly with physical scenery to create an immersive experience.
Themes of Community and Collective Action
The Last Ship explores profound themes such as mortality, labour, identity, and the tension between tradition and progress. The shipyard serves as a symbol of communal pride and purpose, resonating with contemporary concerns about the erosion of secure work and the power of collective action. However, the musical occasionally leans into cloying sentimentality, and the central love story between Meg and Gideon Fletcher, loosely based on Sting himself, feels weak due to Gideon's unexplained 17-year absence. Despite this, the choral moments are powerful and moving, highlighting the idea of collective strength.
Production Details and Critical Reception
The inclusion of Brisbane in the international run of The Last Ship, alongside cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and New York, marks a significant moment for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre as it aims to position the city as a global arts destination. The production starts slowly but gains momentum in the second act, though the ending feels rushed with too many threads tied up quickly. With a run time of almost three hours, a tighter narrative could enhance the show's impact. Sting's presence is a clear draw for the 1,500-strong audience, but the wider cast sustains the production, making it a heartfelt tribute to his community.
In reflecting on his journey, Sting has expressed a desire to thank his community and make amends for leaving, stating that his upbringing gave him a sense of dignity and work ethic. The Last Ship runs at the Glasshouse Theatre until 3 May, offering a sincere, if imperfect, exploration of memory, loss, and redemption.
