For those on the fence about attending a performance of Sting’s The Last Ship next month as part of the opening season of the new Glasshouse Theatre, especially with the increased cost-of-living pressures, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is offering a much more affordable alternative – free. They have confirmed that the opening night of the Australian exclusive production of The Last Ship will be broadcast live to regional communities. Scheduled for Saturday 11 April 2026 starting at 7:15 pm.
This initiative is intended to broaden access to international productions for residents living outside of the South East Queensland corner. The broadcast will be accessible through QPAC’s Digital Stage platform for a limited time, in addition to via free public screenings at various regional hubs. Participating locations include the Mount Isa Civic Centre, The J Noosa, The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, The Wolvi Hall, Rainbow Beach Community Centre, Gympie Regional Gallery, Goondiwindi Cinema and Theatre, Leichhardt Centre in Miles, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Pilbeam Theatre in Rockhampton, and the Roma Saleyards Bullring.
The Last Ship is a musical developed by Sting that first emerged in 2011, drawing inspiration from his 1991 album, The Soul Cages. The narrative is set in the British shipbuilding town of Wallsend and focuses on a community facing the closure of their local shipyard. Sting features in the production as Jackie White, the shipyard’s foreman. This 2026 tour version of the show has been updated with new scenes and music. The cast for the Brisbane season also includes international reggae artist Shaggy, a frequent collaborator of Sting.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy highlighted the importance of making this specific production available to a wider audience through digital collaboration:
The Last Ship is a once-in-generation musical theatre experience, and we cannot wait to share this unforgettable work with communities across the state. This is Sting like you’ve never seen him before. While nothing beats a live performance experience at QPAC, this special livestream will ensure Sting’s exceptional story and musicianship can be shared with theatre lovers in regional and remote parts of Queensland who can’t easily visit QPAC. We are also proud to be showcasing the talents of Queensland performers who feature in The Last Ship ensemble. Statewide collaboration with our partner venues is what enables this scale of access. Their commitment to their communities is central to broadening access to this Australian-exclusive event, direct from Brisbane.
For those interested in attending a live performance at the Glasshouse Theatre, The Last Ship will be performed from 9 April 2026 until 3 May 2026.
