Last week Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) announced the local cast that will be joining Sting, Shaggy and the international ensemble starring in The Last Ship, presented for the first time in the southern hemisphere from 9 April 2026 in the brand new Glasshouse Theatre for a strictly limited season.
The talented local artists joining the exclusive season of The Last Ship include:
Tom Davis, Lachlan Dodd, Grace Driscoll, Morgan Francis, Brydie Faith Hall, Henry Kafoa, Benjin Maza, Erika Naddei, Nykita O’Keeffe, Croft Phillips, Aurélie Roque, James Shaw, Chloe Rose Taylor, Natasha Veselinovic, Geoffrey Winter, and Aysa Garcia Wong.
Bringing local and international talent together, the production fosters pathways and connection between these immensely talented artists and a global company of 48 performers, musicians, and choristers.
They join a previously announced international cast that includes:
Declan Bennett, Lauren Samuels, Annette McLaughlin, Marc Akinfolarin, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Matt Beveridge, Joe Caffrey, Mathew Craig, Matthew Gent, Llandyll Gove, Lou Henry, Helen Hill, Lemuel Knights, Grant Neal, Hannah Richardson, Gabriella Stylianou, Emma Thornett and Kevin Yates.
Also previously announced, Reggae icon and longtime friend and frequent Sting collaborator Shaggy will appear in the role of the Wallsend Ferryman.
Sting takes on the leading role of Jackie White, the shipyard’s foreman, in this very personal show. Inspired by Sting’s childhood in Wallsend in the United Kingdom, and drawing on his own musical roots, The Last Ship tells the piercing story of a community facing the disappearance of their shipyard – the heart of their existence.
It immerses the audience in a hometown he was desperate to escape, a world where love, loss, and hope intertwine.
The creative team joining Sting, who wrote the music and lyrics, includes:
Director Leo Warner; Set and Props Designer Jenny Melville; Costume Designer Loren Elstein; Lighting Designer Adam Bassett; Sound Designer Tom Gibbons; Animation Director Matt Taylor; Choreographer Rebecca Howell; Video Designer Benjamin Pearcy; Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator Rob Mathes, Music Director and Co-Orchestrator Richard John; Set and Video Design by 59 Studio.
The Last Ship was first developed by Sting in 2011 and initially inspired by his 1991 album The Soul Cages. The original Broadway production was nominated for two Tony Awards: Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.
Sting’s beloved songs such as Island of Souls, All This Time, and When We Dance are woven into the performance. The original stage production premiered in Chicago in 2014, followed by a Broadway (Neil Simon Theatre) run the same year. It continued in the UK, Ireland and various European and US cities.
This renewed version of the production includes new scenes and music, specially adapted for the 2026 run. Sting’s music – from gritty folk and rousing choruses to intimate ballads – forms the heart of the show.
Taking a break from his STING 3.0 world concert touring schedule, Sting has dedicated a few months in 2026 to taking The Last Ship production to cities across the globe, including Amsterdam, Paris, and now, Brisbane, performing in every show.
The Last Ship forms part of the Glasshouse Theatre QPAC’s opening program and runs from 9 April to 3 May 2026.
Tickets: https://qpac.n.qtix.com.au/tickets/series/thelastship26
Website: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/the-last-ship
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/atqpac/ and https://www.instagram.com/lastshipmusical/
Images supplied.
The Last Ship is supported by Strategic Partner the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland. It is also supported by Event Partner the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The Last Ship is a Karl Sydow Production. Music and lyrics are by Sting. New book is by Barney Norris and Lorne Campbell. Based on the original book by John Logan and Brian Yorkey.
Listen to The Last Ship album on Spotify.
Watch the trailer here:
