Reggae Superstar Shaggy Joins Sting Onstage for “The Last Ship” in Brisbane
Brisbane audiences are in for a treat with the announcement that two-time Grammy winner and global reggae icon, Shaggy, will be gracing the stage alongside Sting in the highly anticipated Brisbane run of his musical production, The Last Ship. The acclaimed show, which tells a deeply personal story inspired by Sting’s own upbringing, will feature Shaggy from April 9th.
Shaggy, a Jamaican-born artist renowned for his chart-topping hits such as “Angel,” “Boombastic,” “Oh Carolina,” and the universally recognised “It Wasn’t Me,” has achieved phenomenal success throughout his career, selling over 40 million records worldwide. His distinctive voice and infectious rhythms have cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in reggae music. He continues to be a dominant force, currently ranking among the top three most-streamed reggae artists globally.
In The Last Ship, Shaggy will take on the role of the Wallsend Ferryman, an integral character in the narrative. He will share the stage with Sting himself, who portrays the lead role of shipyard foreman Jackie White. This collaboration marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time these two close friends and music titans step into character roles together.
Shaggy expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m honoured to join Sting onstage in Brisbane and am especially grateful to help bring a story so personal to him to life.” His involvement is set to add another layer of star power and charisma to the production.
A Unique Creative Partnership
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) chief executive, Rachel Healy, highlighted the rarity and excitement surrounding this unique partnership. “To witness two close friends bring Sting’s own story to life is a rare and unmissable experience,” Healy commented. “We’re thrilled that Queensland’s new Glasshouse Theatre will host the only Australian season of this remarkable creative partnership.” This exclusive Australian engagement underscores the significance of Brisbane’s role in showcasing this special theatrical event.
The Last Ship draws its inspiration directly from Sting’s childhood experiences in Wallsend, a town in the United Kingdom. The musical poignantly depicts the story of a close-knit community grappling with the potential demise of their local shipyard, the very heart of their livelihood and identity. Sting, a celebrated songwriter, penned all the songs for the production and has prior experience performing in theatrical settings, having previously starred in productions in North America.
Sting’s Diverse Artistic Journey
While best known for his groundbreaking music career, Sting is no stranger to the world of acting. His filmography includes notable appearances in films such as the cult classic Quadrophenia, the science fiction epic Dune, and Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. This diverse artistic background brings a wealth of experience to his role in The Last Ship.
Shaggy’s musical output continues to be prolific, with his latest album, Lottery, scheduled for release in May. This new collection of songs is expected to further solidify his status as a contemporary reggae legend.
The musical synergy between Sting and Shaggy is already well-established. The pair previously embarked on a joint tour and collaborated on the critically acclaimed 2018 album, 44/876, which showcased their complementary musical styles and mutual respect.
The Last Ship will be presented at the Glasshouse Theatre from April 9th to May 3rd. This limited engagement offers Brisbane residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience the magic of two global music icons sharing the stage in a compelling narrative.
