Review: THE LAST SHIP, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Photo credit: Nienke de Groot
Those old enough to remember the 1970s could not have missed Sting’s emergence as frontman of legendary three-piece band, The Police. In a glittering career, they sold 75 million records, won six Grammies and were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. He later forged a highly successful solo career and branched into acting. Sting is also an active humanitarian particularly where the environment is concerned. This multi-talented performer has also turned his hand to musicals. The Last Ship was first staged in the US and after a stint on Broadway, it toured the UK in 2017. As part of a world tour, the show has now landed for a short run in the West End.
Gideon Fletcher (Declan Bennett) has returned to the North East following the death of his father. Coming from a close knit shipbuilding community, he receives a typically mixed reception. None more so than old flame Meg (Frances McNamee) who has startling news for him. After 16 years away serving in the Royal Marines, he finds a much changed society. Market forces have taken hold and now threaten the future of the local shipyard. The Tory government have launched an assault on nationalised industries and the communities that depend on them. Shipyard boss Freddie (Matt Beveridge) has designs on Meg who doesn’t trust his motives either with her or the shipyard. An increasingly anxious workforce look to their foreman Jackie (Sting) for inspiration. In failing health, his wife Peggy (Jackie Morrison) fears he isn’t strong enough for the battles that lie ahead.
The piece obviously draws on Sting’s experience growing up in Wallsend, home of the world renowned Swan Hunter shipyard. There is no denying the power of a story told with an equal mixture of grit and elegance. A brilliant set - designed by Jenny Melville and Matt Taylor - is simply breathtaking, as it magically conjures a ship which cleverly disappears when the scene requires it. The songs, all written by Sting, are lyrically sound and melodically poised. They have a distinct Irish-folk cadence which sit well with the subject matter. They also threw in a handful of Sting hits, of which ‘All This Time’ and ‘When We Dance’ are especially well received. The cast are superlative in their approach and application. Sting revelled in the role of elder statesman and rightly earned a separate round of applause when he first appeared. Mr Bombastic himself, Shaggy, also made a strong contribution in the role of Wallsend Ferryman.
In many ways, it has a strong association with Billy Elliot which uses the miner’s strike as a back drop to the primary story. The difference here is that The Last Ship puts the industrial landscape of 80s Britain front and centre, with a story that portrays a whole community and not just individuals. The West End badly needs shows like this to maintain a degree of variety. This particular run is painfully short, and we can only hope it comes back soon for a much longer stint.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
The Last Ship plays at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 3 October, with tickets available here.
