Shaggy to join Sting in The Last Ship
Published on 3 August 2026
Summary
- Shaggy will join Sting in The Last Ship for two performances only.
- The reggae icon reprises his role as the Wallsend Ferryman.
- The musical runs at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 22 September to 3 October 2026.
But they caught me in the West End
Saw me walkin' down Drury Lane (wasn't me)
I even took a bow with Sting
They even caught me on the stage (wasn't me)
***It wasn't us ***expecting this collaboration to dock in the West End! Global reggae star Shaggy will reunite with Sting in the West End this autumn, appearing in The Last Ship for two performances only at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Shaggy will reprise his role as the Wallsend Ferryman opposite Sting, who stars as Jackie White in the newly reimagined 2026 production of the musical.
Following a global tour, The Last Ship sails into London for a limited engagement from 22 September to 3 October 2026. Shaggy will appear on opening night, 22 September, and at the gala performance on 23 September, while Sting will perform throughout the full run alongside his ongoing STING 3.0 World Tour.
Speaking about Shaggy's return, 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."
Produced by Karl Sydow, the new 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 newly written songs.
Inspired by Sting's upbringing in the shipbuilding town of Wallsend and drawing on themes from his 1991 album The Soul Cages, The Last Ship follows a community fighting to preserve its identity as its local shipyard faces closure.
The remaining cast will be announced at a later date.
Book your tickets to The Last Ship today.
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.