The title song from Sting’s new album The Last Ship, due to be released in September, will be previewed in Tyne by Michael Chaplin, which runs from 27th June to 20th July at Newcastle’s Live Theatre.
The play’s director Max Roberts initially asked Sting for permission to include his song "All This Time" in Tyne, explaining the themes and content of the play. Sting immediately replied not only giving his blessing to use the existing song but also forwarded a demo recording of the new song, along with some additional lyrics that he felt might be compatible to the themes of Tyne. Both songs will be included in the play, which maps the history, atmosphere and soul of the river in story, music and images.
Sting had worked at Live Theatre during February last year when a workshop performance of his new musical The Last Ship was staged there. The story of the musical was inspired by his childhood memories of growing up near the shipyards in Wallsend.
The musical is to be premièred on Broadway next year.
“I was obviously delighted by Sting's generosity and support for our project,” said Roberts. “I think it's born out of a deep fondness and commitment to his home town, its river and the region’s cultural vitality.
“Having been lucky enough to listen some of the new songs that will feature in the new musical and on the new album, I was taken by the passion and lyrical beauty of the music and words.
“Sting is also a great admirer of Kathryn Tickell who is our musical director for Tyne and one of the creative forces behind The Festival of the North. She has played on a number of Sting's albums and I understand she also features prominently on the new one.”
Other traditional folk songs connected to the river have been adapted and arranged for the play by Kathryn Tickell and are sung and performed with live musical accompaniment by the cast.