QUEENSLAND: Shaggy joins Sting’s world-class musical experience in Brisbane

Sting – Image: The Last Ship

Brisbane as the capital of Queensland will host the Australian exclusive of  The Last Ship from 9 April to 3 May 2026 – the critically acclaimed musical featuring music and lyrics by Sting. The star power has been taken up yet another gear. International reggae icon Shaggy is jumping aboard the Australian exclusive season of THE LAST SHIP, taking to the stage alongside Sting in the role of the Wallsend Ferryman.

Performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) new Glasshouse Theatre, securing this international production places Queensland alongside global destinations such as New York, Paris and Amsterdam.

For the first time, this world‑class musical experience will be shared well beyond Brisbane. The opening night performance on 11 April will be livestreamed free to regional Queensland, with the Queensland‑only broadcast available at venues across the state, including Mount Isa Civic Centre, The J Noosa, The Empire Theatre Toowoomba, Wolvi Hall, Rainbow Beach Community Centre, Gympie Regional Gallery, Goondiwindi Cinema and Theatre, Roma Saleyards, Leichhardt Centre Miles, Redland Performing Arts Centre and Pilbeam Theatre Rockhampton.

This is the first event to be funded through the dedicated Mega and Strategic Events Attraction Fund, under Destination 2045, which supports Queensland’s long-term commitment to create a vibrant, year‑round calendar of world‑class events that drive visitation, support local businesses and ensure all Queenslanders can share in the experience.

The Last Ship musical – Image: The Last Ship

About the 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.

Sting takes on the leading role of Jackie White, the shipyard’s foreman whose health is failing just as his leadership is needed most. In this very personal show, the artist immerses the audience in a hometown he was desperate to escape, a world where love, loss, and hope intertwine.

“I literally grew up in the shadow of the yard,” Sting says. “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.”

The music:

If you’re a fan of Sting, his music – from raw folk and rousing choirs to intimate ballads – forms the beating heart of the production. THE LAST SHIP is a true musical odyssey carried by powerful and moving melodies and lyrics with well-known songs such as “Island of Souls”, “All This Time” and “When We Dance” interwoven and performed by 48 artists, musicians and choristers.

The set:

This won’t just be a ‘concert event’. This is Sting with all of the magic and might of musical theatre. The epic set alone, produced by renowned 59 Studios, transports you to the shipyard itself.

Songs 

NAN/DETSI 1 April 26

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