Reviewed by Kathryn Harrison
In April I watched The Last Ship at the Playhouse in Liverpool. In my review for that show I wrote “I would happily return to watch it again and again.” So when the opportunity arose to go and watch it last night (3rd July 2018) at The Lowry, Salford I jumped at the chance. This time I took my husband along who has been listening to me rave about this musical for months, safe to say expectations were high, once again this production delivered.
The story centres around a North East shipyard and the people who live and work there. We first meet a young Meg, played by Orla Gormley, and Gideon, played by Matt Corner, and watch as Gideon sets sail from the industrial town leaving Meg behind. Seventeen years later Gideon returns to find the shipyard facing closure and makes a life changing discovery. Adult Gideon is played superbly by Richard Fleeshman, he is outstanding in his performance and his vocal talents are amazing. Frances McNamee who plays adult Meg also has a spectacular voice, I really enjoyed the songs where Gideon and Meg are singing with each other, these actors have wonderful chemistry that really makes you feel their story.
The entire cast is tremendous, Joe McGann as Jackie and Penelope Woodman as Peggy give the audience some of the most tender, moving moments in the performance. Surrounding these main characters are numerous wonderful actors, Kevin Wathen plays a drunken Davey Harrison so well you could be forgiven for thinking he had enjoyed a quick tipple before the show began. Charlie Richmond as Adrian and Joe Caffrey as Billy add depth and diversity to the portrayal of the shipyard men.
As expected, with music and lyrics by Sting, the songs in this musical were phenomenal, full of emotion that drove the story forward, I think it will be a while before I stop humming those tunes. The backdrop to these amazing songs and actors was the epic set, there was an immense steel structure giving the action multiple levels to be played out on with clever use of digital projection and lighting creating the perfect atmosphere for each different scene. Visually it is a very interesting set.
Watching this play you get a real sense of the loyalty, brotherhood and community found in the northern industrial towns and a strong reminder of the courage and steadfastness of women supporting their men. The Lowry is the last stop on this current UK tour of The Last Ship and I urge you to catch it while you can. It is a story full of drama, emotion, lots of laughs and stirring songs that will stay with you for a long time.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from£15.50 to £42.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Last Ship is at The Lowry in Manchester from 3-7 July 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
