Sting brings ‘The Last Ship’ to Tyneside supported by Cunard

These will be the only UK performances of their kind and are both supported by Cunard, which has historic links to the shipyards of the Tyne.

Inspired by and set in Sting’s hometown of Wallsend, ‘The Last Ship’ tells a universal story. Drawn from his childhood growing up beside the Swan Hunters shipyard, ‘The Last Ship’ echoes the experiences of those working in shipyards along the Wear, Clyde, Mersey or any Northern port, as well as post-industrial communities the world over.

The play was originally work-shopped with local musicians and actors at Newcastle’s Live Theatre – ahead of its upcoming Broadway debut.

The musician said: ‘The Last Ship’ is a musical allegory set in Wallsend, the town where I was born and raised. The demise of industry - not only in shipyards like Tyneside and Gdansk, but also great manufacturing centres like Detroit - has been well documented and the effect of that demise on the identity and future of local communities particularly resonates with me.  I’m very much looking forward to bringing these songs and stories home.’

David Dingle, ceo of Cunard, said: ‘We’re delighted that in 2015, Cunard’s 175^th anniversary year, we will be able to commemorate that two of our most famous ships were created on the Tyne, through this show. ‘The Last Ship’ has songs that go to the heart of this country’s shipbuilding industries, and reflect Cunard’s own proud heritage with the North East. This great partnership saw legendary liners like Mauretania and Carpathia built at Swan Hunter on the Tyne and then serve Cunard for many years.’