Sting literally grew up in the shadow of a shipyard in Wallsend, England. "I dreamed of escaping — and I succeeded," the 17-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter says now. "But later I realised I had to give something back. The Last Ship is my tribute to the people and the place that shaped me."
The Last Ship is a musical based on his album of the same name, and its final performance will take place in the Glasshouse Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) tomorrow. It has already been performed in Amsterdam, Paris, and New York — and in Australia, it has been exclusive to Brisbane.
A Journey to Two Destinations
For travellers, that has meant two destinations in one — the trip to Queensland’s capital and the gritty reality of north-east England. Written and composed by Sting, he has also played the lead role of Jackie White, the shipyard foreman suffering failing health just when his leadership is most needed.
Inspired by Sting’s childhood in Wallsend, and with echoes of its music, The Last Ship tells the story of a community losing its shipyard, which lies at the centre of their existence. A spokesperson for QPAC says: "In this very personal show, the artist immerses the audience in a home town he was desperate to escape, a world where love, loss, and hope intertwine."
Notable Cast and Soundtrack
Reggae icon Shaggy has been playing the Wallsend Ferryman in the musical. The soundtrack album is available on all streaming platforms. For more details, visit qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/the-last-ship.
