REVIEW: The Last Ship (Koninklijk Theater De Carré - Amsterdam)
Star rating: ★★★★★
The Last Ship is written and composed by music legend Sting, based on his own childhood experiences. The show opened back in 2014 in Chicago with a press night in New York City, followed by a UK and international tour in 2018. As you can hear, there is a lot of history in this production—something you can really feel as an audience member.
The story follows a close-knit community protesting for their shipyard after being forced to close it down. Throughout the show, we meet different characters, each with their own personal stories and fears, but with one shared goal: to let the last ship they are building set sail.
I had very high expectations for this production, as it has travelled all over the world, from New York to Australia, and it’s not every day an English musical comes to the Benelux region. On top of that, the Koninklijk Theater Carré is the place to be for international musicals like this, which previously visited Amsterdam back in January.
The show immediately starts on a high note, with a massive ship projected onto the stage to immerse us in the shipyard setting. Bridges move up and down, giving the illusion of being on a real dock. It was very impressive to see live, especially with set pieces that look genuinely constructed out of solid steel.
In the middle of the stage, a rectangular block serves as a ceiling, using creative lighting to make scenes feel more intimate. It turns and twists to seamlessly build different dimensions, and the other side of the structure is inscribed with "The Last Ship."
One of the production's strongest elements is its vocal power. The main cast is joined by Prestige PRO—a local Dutch choir with performers from all over the Netherlands—that blends beautifully while doubling as extras in the background. It is a unique and incredibly effective concept, and truly special to see a local ensemble integrated so seamlessly into a production of this scale.
Matching the show's scale, the music written by Sting himself is a rich mix of folk and sea shanties. Songs like "Show Some Respect" and "The Last Ship" are absolute standout numbers!
Frances McNamee is back on board as Meg Dawson, having previously starred in the production. Her voice is warm and powerful, bringing an emotional depth that makes her perfect for the role. She lives above a pub with her daughter, Ellen (played by Hannah Richardson), but their worlds turn upside down when Gideon (played by Declan Bennett) shows up after 17 years away—revealing he is actually Ellen's father. Both actresses get their own beautiful solo moments to shine, which are true highlights of the show.
Photo by Nienke De Groot
Sting steps into the role of Jack, alongside Jackie Morrison who plays his wife, Peggy White. They are hoping to finish the last ship, but their world changes quickly when Jack falls ill and urgently needs surgery. Unfortunately, he doesn't make it in the end. The way they staged his final scene using star projections was absolutely beautiful.
This production is literally perfection and an important piece for the musical community. With its immersive set pieces and an incredible cast, this is definitely a must-see!
The Last Ship is playing in Amsterdam until 13 September before heading to London, where it will run from 22 September to 3 October at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
