ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sting's Musical 'The Last Ship' Docks in Brisbane with Revitalized Production

opinion-review · 2026-04-13

Running at the Glasshouse Theatre in Brisbane until 3 May, Sting's musical 'The Last Ship' represents its sole performance in the southern hemisphere. This updated rendition, first introduced in 2011, boasts a new script by Barney Norris and Lorne Campbell. Sting takes on the role of foreman Jackie White, showcasing songs from his 1991 album 'The Soul Cages.' The storyline reflects on the closure of the Wallsend shipyard and its effects on the community, emphasizing themes of unity. Directed by Leo Warner, it features a romantic subplot involving Gideon (Declan Bennett) and Meg (Lauren Samuels). The ensemble includes Annette McLaughlin, Hannah Richardson, Mathew Craig, and Joe Cafferty, with Shaggy portraying the Ferryman. The musical score incorporates diverse styles, complemented by a set designed by 59 Studio.

Key facts

  • The Last Ship runs at QPAC's Glasshouse Theatre in Brisbane until 3 May
  • Sting performs as foreman Jackie White in his autobiographical musical
  • The production is the only southern hemisphere destination for the show
  • Original concept dates to 2011 with new book by Barney Norris and Lorne Campbell
  • Musical incorporates themes from Sting's 1991 album 'The Soul Cages'
  • Set design by 59 Studio includes video projections and animation
  • Cast includes Declan Bennett, Lauren Samuels, Annette McLaughlin, and Shaggy
  • Score blends folk, Celtic rhythms, sea shanties, and jazz influences

Entities

Artists

  • Sting
  • Barney Norris
  • Lorne Campbell
  • Leo Warner
  • Declan Bennett
  • Lauren Samuels
  • Annette McLaughlin
  • Hannah Richardson
  • Mathew Craig
  • Joe Cafferty
  • Shaggy
  • Rob Mathhes
  • Benjamin Pearcy
  • Matt Taylor
  • Rebecca Howell
  • Kurt Weill
  • Suzannah Conway

Institutions

  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre
  • Glasshouse Theatre
  • 59 Studio
  • Opera Queensland
  • Brisbane Riverfestival
  • The Australian
  • Limelight magazine
  • ArtsHub
  • ScreenHub

Locations

  • Brisbane
  • Australia
  • Wallsend
  • England
  • United Kingdom

Sources