Why Watch The Last Ship?
- The acclaimed musical written and composed by Sting makes its Southern Hemisphere debut at Brisbane’s Glasshouse Theatre in 2026.
- Inspired by Sting’s childhood in Wallsend, the story captures a community grappling with the loss of their shipyard, touching on themes of pride, loss, and connection.
- “I literally grew up in the shadow of the yard. I dreamed of escaping – and I succeeded. 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,” says Sting.
- Playing the role of Jackie White and bringing his own history and heart into the production, Sting leads the cast in a deeply personal performance infused with love and hope.
- The score blends raw folk, rousing choirs, and tender ballads, featuring powerful songs such as “Island of Souls”, “All This Time”, and “When We Dance.”
- Experience Sting live on stage in this moving theatrical odyssey. Book your tickets to The Last Ship musical in Brisbane at the Glasshouse Theatre today.
The Last Ship is an autobiographical musical by Sting, inspired by his childhood in Wallsend, England, and debuting in places like Chicago, Broadway, Toronto, and beyond. This production will be specially adapted for Brisbane’s Glasshouse Theatre, with Sting himself in the leading role of Jackie White, an aging shipyard foreman confronting the collapse of his lifelong community. Sting’s score integrates new compositions and songs from his back catalog such as “Island of Souls” and “When We Dance”. While it wasn’t mentioned in award coverage, the original Broadway version received two Tony nominations. Local critics highlight this run as a cultural coup for Brisbane, linking the themes to the city's own shipbuilding history, with the Evans Deakin shipyard closing around 50 years ago.
Storyline
Set in 20th-century England’s shipbuilding heartland, The Last Ship musical in Brisbane follows Jackie White, a foreman struggling with illness just as his shipyard, and its community, teeters on collapse. Sting brings his personal history into the role, offering a deep connection to the story of loss, legacy, and identity. The musical weaves familiar songs with new music, exploring the ties that bind a community to its past and future, and leaves you wondering whether hope can emerge from a dying heritage.
Show timings
Show timings for The Last Ship may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Top songs
The music blends old favorites and new gems by Sting. Alongside brand-new songs, you’ll catch reimagined versions of tracks like “Island of Souls” and “When We Dance”.
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Frequently asked questions
The musical does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 12 years and above.
The show is playing at the Glasshouse Theatre in Brisbane.
It follows a man returning to his hometown as the shipyard closes, centring on community, identity, love, and hope, as workplace and heritage collide.
Yes. Sting plays the lead role of Jackie White and will pause his world tour to bring this deeply personal story to Brisbane.
Some of the most popular songs featured in the musical include “Island of Souls,” “All This Time,” and “When We Dance”, along with stirring new numbers written by Sting especially for the musical.
It launches QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre and brings Sting in an intimate theatre setting, an unprecedented cultural event for the city.
