The musical, featuring music and lyrics has plenty of strong aspects to it but could be tightened up to give the characters more depth.
Many of the strongest stories that have been brought to the public’s attention over the years are stories that are set in the North of England – Billy Elliot and The Full Monty being just two prime examples of this. But can Sting’s The Last Ship continue this trend?
In many ways it can. Based around Sting’s own childhood, growing up in the shadow of the Wallsend shipyards, the story follows the story of Gideon who returns to the town after 17 years to find that the town is on the brink of collapse. The reason behind this threat of the town’s collapse is the fact the government are looking to close the local shipyard – the lifeblood and source of income job wise for many in the town. What follows is story of resilience and determination to keep the yard open, led by the shipyard’s foreman Jackie White. Intertwined with this are individual stories of facing up to the past and finding out what the important things in life are.
With a new book by Barney Norris (the show originally appeared on Broadway quite some time ago), there is plenty for the audience to get to grips with in terms of the plot. It has heart and soul throughout, with the bond between the locals clear that keep it relatable and well grounded emotionally. However, the sheer number of songs (which have a beautifully folksy and whimsical tone to them) can threaten to overpower the story – and you do have to question whether every character needs a song.
But it is hard to deny that the songs written by Sting are incredibly beautiful and heartfelt. Through them you can tell how much this show has been a passion project for him that understandably it would be difficult to leave any of them out. But it can mean that it is difficult to develop the audience’s understanding of the characters as the dialogue and scenes can seem a little bit quick. This feels particularly surprising given it covers a terminal illness plotline, an unexpected reunion and long-lost love story that should be given a little more time to develop – the songs and story seem to battling for full control against each other in places.
This being said there is plenty to be appreciated. The set and video design is incredibly impressive and immersive that you feel automatically brought into the story. The set is surrounded by a huge and rusting boatyard, that adapts well into more cosier surroundings as well. It towers right to the very top and is awe-inspiring. Meanwhile, the video design is simply one of the best experiences I have seen created for a show, complete with a ship in the background that genuinely make you feel that you are standing right in front of it. Visually this is a show that really stands out, particularly combined with Adam Bassett’s lighting design that enhances the drama well without being overpowering.
Bringing the show’s characters to life is a cast that really do a good job of finding depth to the characters, despite the book itself not allowing enough time to make it as clear as it could be to delve into their personal situations. But it does have to be said the female characters come out the strongest. Frances McNamee as Meg is wonderfully strong and powerful as she fights fiercely for her town and attempts to protect her daughter Ellen (Hannah Richardson) or challenges Gideon on his decision to leave the town. It is a well grounded performance with plenty of heart. Jackie Morrison as Peggy, supportive of Jackie’s fight to to save the shipyard, mixed with concern for his health is a performance filled with poignancy.
Of the male characters, it is clear that Stong has delved deep to create the character Jackie- but never overshadows that other cast members, fitting in seamlessly and offering a really grounded performance. Declan Bennett as Gideon has plenty of strong moments – but his character (through the book) is one that could use further development as you don’t feel as though you truly get to the bottom of why he decided to stay and help the town fight. But the whole cast really deliver powerhouse performances that are filled with warmth to keep the audience invested in the story unfolding.
The Last Ship is a musical filled with poignancy and has many strong aspects to it – but I do feel that further work on the book is needed to make the characters stand out and shine further. It is still beautifully performed and staged however, so lets hope that it returns for a longer stay in the future.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The Last Ship continues to play at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until the 3rd October. To book tickets click here.