The full cast has been revealed for the West End premiere of Sting’s newly adapted musical The Last Ship, which runs at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 22 September to 3 October.
The production features Sting in every performance as Jackie White, the shipyard foreman at the heart of this moving story inspired by the singer-songwriter’s childhood in Wallsend. Global reggae star Shaggy will appear as The Wallsend Ferryman for the first two performances only, on 22 and 23 September.
Leading the cast are Declan Bennett as Gideon and Frances McNamee as Meg, joined by Jackie Morrison as Peggy White, Lejaun Sheppard as The Wallsend Ferryman from 24 September, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Matt Beveridge, Joe Caffrey, Duane Gooden, Hannah Richardson and Adam Strong.
The ensemble and understudy company includes Olivia-Mae Baker, Matthew Gent, Helen Hill, Ediz Mahmut, Matthew McDonald, Grant Neal and Emma Thornett. Lydia Bolton serves as Dance Captain, while Llandyll Gove is Resident Director.
Many cast members return to the production following international engagements in Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane and New York, while several performers are joining the company for the first time.
Produced by Karl Sydow, this newly reimagined staging 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. The production also includes new scenes and songs specially adapted for the 2026 run.
The musical tells the story of a community of shipbuilders in the North East of England facing the closure of their shipyard. Inspired by Sting’s own roots, the show explores themes of identity, community, love, loss and hope.
The production has already enjoyed a global tour this year, visiting Amsterdam, Paris and Brisbane, before a limited engagement at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.
Sting said: “What a great mix of returning and new performers we have for the London run! With just 6 weeks to go until our West End premiere, I’m really looking forward to working with everyone and finally sharing The Last Ship with audiences at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.”
Speaking about the personal inspiration behind the musical, Sting said: “I grew up in the shadow of the shipyard. I’d watch thousands of men walk to work each morning, but I dreamed of something else… I dreamed of escaping, and I did everything in my power to get away from that life. But the farther I got, the more I realized I needed to understand where I came from and felt I had to give something back. The Last Ship is my tribute to the people and the place that shaped me.”
Featuring songs including Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance, the production brings together a company of more than 50 performers for its limited West End engagement.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
