A stirring musical. Some of the most thrilling choral writing I've heard in a British musical.
The Guardian
A stirring musical. Some of the most thrilling choral writing I've heard in a British musical.
The Guardian
Why see The Last Ship?
all aboard
Superstar Sting stars in his critically acclaimed musical, The Last Ship, now docking in North America! Featuring original music by The Police frontman himself, The Last Ship is heartfelt and empowering musical about Newcastle's shipbuilding community as it reaches breaking point in the 1980s.
Debuting in Chicago in 2014, Sting's The Last Ship has enjoyed runs on both Broadway and in London's West End. Inspired by Sting's own childhood in the North East of England, The Last Ship features some of the Grammy winner's best-loved songs including "Island of Souls", "All This Time" and "When We Dance".
WHAT IS THE LAST SHIP ABOUT?
When their shipyard finally closes in the 1980s, foreman Jackie White inspires his co-workers to take over the shipyard and build one final ship. Meanwhile, prodigal son Gideon returns home after his father's death, having left fifteen years ago and abandoned his relationship with Meg whom he left behind. Is he too late to make amends and start their lives together?
Key Information
Audience
12+
Run Time
Two hours and 55 minutes with one intermission
Dates
Finished Apr 26, 2020
Cast
Sting
Creative
Music and Lyrics by Sting
Book by John Logan and Brian Yorkey
Reviews
Customer reviews
16 reviews, average rating: (4.5 Stars)
Carolyn Miller
A STUNNING AND BEAUTIFULLY UNDERSTATED WORK OF ART
Sting's THE LAST SHIP definitely needs pre-show research. This is not a typical Broadway musical with flashy dance numbers, incredible costumes and catchy music. It is, instead, a thoughtful, musical story about the last days of a vibrant ship-building town where Sting grew up. Complete with 'Geordie' accents of the region, the music and the dialogue have a certain 'lilt' to them. Sting's vocal flexibility is evident in his wide range from baritone into his head-tone/falsetto. His backup singers were spot-on in their intonation and harmony work with Sting. This production didn't need a massive ship set piece; the clever staging and lighting of the ship's image looming over the performers was a quiet but magnificent reminder of what was to be The Last Ship. This was a memorable production with lasting and personal impact. ... Read more
john
multi layered musical
It's hard to put into words the depth of this musical. I have seen it in multiple cities. It is a shame it did not last long on Broadway. Ostensibly, it tells the story of a community banding together to build one last ship and save a shipyard from going out of business. But Sting's lyrics are brilliantly layered. All the songs are dripping with spirituality and a a sense of longing. The "last ship" is a metaphor for dying. Basically, what happens next when the last ship sails? They are lyrics Sting likely wouldn't have written when he was younger. This musical is well worth seeing, through the script is not as good as Broadway because they eliminated some characters and changed it significantly. But it's still fantastic. ... Read more
Chris Acoutin
The Last Ship “SAILSâ€
At 1st I was a little skeptical of a musical just because the famous “Sting†was involved, but was pleasantly surprised as the story unfolded telling a believable human tale of a small town trying to save a dying industry and way of life. The production was well staged with spirited performances and songs to match. The standing ovation as they took their bows is the only recommendation you’ll need to put the play on your list and make the drive to see this show before it’s gone! ... Read more
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