International reggae icon Shaggy has been announced as a special cast addition to The Last Ship, joining Sting for the production’s Australian season.
He will perform exclusively at Brisbane’s new Glasshouse Theatre from April 9th to May 3rd, 2026, appearing in the role of the Wallsend ferryman alongside a cast of 48 performers, musicians, and choristers – including Sting.
“I’m honoured to join Sting onstage in Brisbane and am especially grateful to help bring a story so personal to him to life,” Shaggy said.
Born Orville Richard Burrell, Shaggy rose from New York City’s dancehall scene to become the only diamond-selling artist in reggae history. A former US Marine, he broke through globally with “Oh Carolina” before scoring era-defining hits including “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me”.
A two-time Grammy Award winner with more than 40 million albums sold, he remains among the world’s three most-streamed reggae artists. His new album Lottery is due for release in May via VP Records and Ranch Entertainment.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy described Shaggy’s casting as a major moment for the Glasshouse Theatre’s opening program, noting that while Sting and Shaggy have collaborated for years – including their Grammy-winning album 44/876 – audiences have never seen them perform character roles side by side.
“To witness two close friends bring Sting’s own story to life is a rare and unmissable experience,” she said.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
Inspired by Sting’s childhood in Wallsend, England, The Last Ship tells the story of a shipbuilding community grappling with the closure of its yard – the centre of its identity. Sting stars as foreman Jackie White in the deeply personal production, which draws heavily on his musical roots and lived experience.
Written and composed by Sting, The Last Ship will be presented for the first time in the southern hemisphere with 29 performances across its strictly limited Brisbane season. The original Broadway production received two Tony Award nominations, including Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.
Tickets are now available here.
