Shaggy will co-star with Sting in The Last Ship at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 22 and 23 September, marking the only two performances in the limited London run in which he will appear.
The acclaimed musical, inspired by Sting’s childhood in the shipbuilding town of Wallsend, runs from 22 September to 3 October, with Sting performing in every show.
Produced by Karl Sydow, the new staging features a new book by Barney Norris and is directed by Leo Warner, with set and video design by 59, a Journey studio.
The production arrives in London following successful runs in Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane and at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House.
Shaggy will once again take on the role of the Wallsend Ferryman, having performed alongside Sting during the international tour earlier this year.
Sting said, “I immediately knew Shaggy was the perfect man for this role. He has a great sense of mischief, a great sense of joy, and he’s also a natural actor. We’ve taken the Ferryman all over the world together this year, and I’m thrilled he’s crossing over to Drury Lane with me too, even if only for two performances.”
Featuring new scenes and music written for the 2026 production, The Last Ship tells the story of a community of shipbuilders in the North East of England facing the closure of the shipyard that has shaped their lives.
Sting takes on the role of Jackie White, the shipyard foreman whose health is failing as his community faces an uncertain future.
Speaking about 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.”
The large-scale production features a company of more than 50 performers and includes songs such as Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance. Further casting is to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
