Sting has announced his upcoming performance in a fresh rendition of his musical, The Last Ship, set to take place in London’s West End for the first time.

The acclaimed artist, who has won 17 Grammy Awards, will take on the lead role in the show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from September 22 to October 3. The announcement was made during Sting’s visit to London, where he shared that the production is part of The Last Ship’s global tour, having already been staged in countries like the Netherlands, France, and Australia, with New York and England next on the schedule.

Reflecting on his upbringing in Wallsend, a British shipbuilding town, Sting expressed his connection to the shipyard workers and the inspiration behind The Last Ship. He described the musical as a tribute to his roots and the community that shaped him, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging his origins.

The production, a heartfelt homage to the North East and his parents, features new scenes and songs, with Sting portraying the character of Jackie White, the ailing foreman of the shipyard facing a pivotal moment of leadership. The show includes iconic Sting tracks such as Island of Souls, All This Time, and When We Dance, performed in a grand production with a cast exceeding 50 members.

While the full cast has yet to be revealed, Sting has been joined by Shaggy for select tour dates, with Shaggy taking on the role of The Wallsend Ferryman. The upcoming London run of The Last Ship promises a reimagined experience with fresh elements and heartfelt storytelling from Sting, a musical legend with a remarkable career spanning decades.