Welcome to Sting Week. Make that Sting and Shaggy Week. Two music icons in one show, The Last Ship, and it’s all happening at QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre in Brisbane from later this week – April 9 to May 3.
The show recently played in Amsterdam and comes to Brisbane from Paris then afterwards heads to New York. That’s four cities that are not usually in the same sentence.
Sting, the rock icon, and Shaggy, the reggae icon, are both on stage in a renewed version of The Last Ship, the acclaimed musical first developed by the global icon in 2011 and initially inspired by his 1991 album, The Soul Cages.
Rooted in his childhood in the British shipbuilding town of Wallsend, The Last Ship tells the moving story of a community of shipbuilders in the northeast of England, faced with the closure of their shipyard – the heart of their existence.
Sting takes on the 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.
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This renewed version of the production includes new scenes and music, specially adapted for the 2026 tour. Sting’s music – from gritty folk and rousing choruses to intimate ballads – forms the heart of the show.
International reggae icon, long-time friend and frequent Sting collaborator Shaggy was recently added to the cast for the Brisbane season. A two-time Grammy winner with more than 40 million albums sold, Shaggy remains among the top three most streamed reggae artists worldwide. His new album, Lottery, will be released in May via a partnership with VP Records and Shaggy’s Ranch Entertainment.
He will appear in The Last Ship in the role of the Wallsend Ferryman alongside 48 artists, musicians and choristers.
Sting and Shaggy in Brisbane – how cool is that. So, people, be on Sting and Shaggy watch from today, I reckon.
And while they are physically in Brisbane, the pair will be touring the state, virtually, as QPAC has announced the free regional streaming of The Last Ship from 7.15pm on April 11, live from the Glasshouse Theatre in Brisbane.
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This opening night streaming of the Glasshouse Theatre’s first international production is part of QPAC’s commitment to making performing arts available to all Queenslanders, including those in regional and remote locations. The live broadcast will be presented via QPAC’s online streaming service, Digital Stage platform. The show will be broadcast near and far.
Sting and Shaggy at the Roma Saleyards Bullring?
This Queensland-only broadcast will be free to attend at venues including Mount Isa Civic Centre; The J Noosa (sold out); The Empire Theatre, Toowoomba; Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton; The Wolvi Hall; Rainbow Beach Community Centre; The Diggers Entertainment Centre, Hughenden; Dulga Hall, Burketown; Gympie Regional Gallery; Goondiwindi Cinema and Theatre; Roma Saleyards – Bullring; Leichhardt Centre, Miles; Blackall Cultural Centre; Redlands Performing Arts Centre; and Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
Sting and Shaggy at the Roma Saleyards Bullring? Who ever thought we would see that?
QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy is thrilled that Sting’s story of resilience, community and hope will be streaming across regional communities in Queensland.
“While nothing beats a live performance experience at QPAC, this special livestream will ensure Sting’s exceptional story and musicianship can be shared with theatre lovers in regional and remote parts of Queensland who can’t easily visit QPAC,” Healy says.
“We are also proud to be showcasing the talents of Queensland performers who feature in The Last Ship ensemble. Statewide collaboration with our partner venues is what enables this scale of access. Their commitment to their communities is central to broadening access to this Australian-exclusive event, direct from Brisbane.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell says The Last Ship is the first major event secured under the Mega and Strategic Events Fund as well as being the first international production to premiere at QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre.
“For the first time, we’re livestreaming opening night to communities across the state, bringing world‑class entertainment from Brisbane to Burketown, Mount Isa, Noosa, Roma and beyond,” Powell says. “With thousands of visitors and more than $11 million flowing into local businesses, The Last Ship reinforces Queensland’s growing reputation as Australia’s capital for major events.”
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek adds: “For one night only, The Last Ship is breaking the banks of the Brisbane River and bursting onto big screens across the state, as part of an unmissable livestreaming event.”
For information about the free Queensland broadcasts of The Last Ship, visit each venue’s website.
The Last Ship plays the Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC, April 9 to May 3.
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