Sting to star in THE LAST SHIP, coming to the West End for a limited run

The Last Ship, developed by Sting in 2011 and inspired by his 1991 album The Soul Cages, is based on his childhood in the British shipbuilding town of Wallsend. It tells the moving story of a community of shipbuilders in the North East of England, faced with the closure of their shipyard – the heart of their existence. Sting plays Jackie White, the shipyard’s foreman whose health is failing just as his leadership is needed most.

This new staging, produced by Karl Sydow, features a new book by acclaimed writer Barney Norris and is directed by Leo Warner, with set and video design by 59, a Journey studio. Further casting is due to be announced. This fully staged, large-scale production featuring a company of over 50 will include brand new songs, alongside beloved songs by Sting such as Island of Souls, All This Time, and When We Dance.

17-time Grammy Award winning artist Sting, in the midst of his STING 3.0 World Tour, has also dedicated time this year to taking The Last Ship to cities across the globe, with hugely successful runs in Amsterdam, Brisbane, and Paris. Of the musical, Sting said, "The Last Ship is my tribute to the people and the place that shaped me.”

The Last Ship will play at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 22 September to 3 October 2026.

The Last Ship Tickets