Lauren Samuels || The Last Ship Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed Lauren Samuels, starring in Sting’s The Last Ship playing fiery and independent Meg. The moving production is now playing exclusive to Brisbane at QPAC’s Glasshouse Theatre until 3 May.

We spoke with Lauren Samuels about stepping into the role of Meg, exploring her emotional journey, reflecting on playing Elphaba in Wicked to this role, and along with working with Sting’s music and what audiences can expect from this heartfelt production.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter, Lauren. You’re starring as Meg in The Last Ship. What was your first reaction when you were offered the role?
It was a “pinch me” moment for sure! I felt incredibly lucky and also slightly terrified!

I was thrilled, and also immediately aware I’d better rise to the challenge!

Meg is described as a strong, independent woman who has been left heartbroken by her childhood sweetheart. What drew you most to her story and emotional journey?
I love that she hasn’t let heartbreak define her, she’s just quietly got on with it, which feels very British of her! There’s a real dignity in the way she carries her past.

She’s strong, but not in a showy way, which I find far more interesting.

The Last Ship is deeply rooted in the shipbuilding community of Wallsend. How do you connect with the working-class heart of the story when bringing Meg to life on stage?
It’s really about honouring the pride and grit of that community. I come from a very grounded working-class background myself, so that sense of resilience and loyalty feels familiar. I think it’s about finding the truth in the small, everyday moments rather than playing the scale of it.

You’ve performed extensively in the UK and recently played Elphaba on the Wicked North American tour. How does stepping into Meg’s shoes compare to playing such an iconic character like Elphaba?
Elphaba is this huge, almost mythical role, whereas Meg feels much more intimate and lived-in.

With Meg, the power comes from restraint and honesty rather than spectacle. It’s a very different muscle, but equally satisfying. It’s less about belting the roof off and more about letting people lean in.

The score by Sting blends musical theatre with folk and rock influences. What is it like performing this style of music compared with more traditional musical theatre scores?
It feels much more conversational and grounded in storytelling. There’s less “performance” and more honesty in the delivery, which I really enjoy. It sits in a slightly different part of the voice too, which keeps things interesting.

You’ll be performing in the brand-new Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC. How exciting is it to help open a new theatre space with the first musical to perform in this theatre?
It’s such a privilege, there’s something special about being part of a theatre’s first memories.

You feel a bit like you’re christening the space being part of the opening season of a new theatre! Hopefully in a slightly more elegant way than smashing a bottle on it!

What has the rehearsal process been like working directly with Sting on a musical that is so personal to him?
Sting’s been incredibly open and quietly hands-on. You can feel how personal the story is, but he’s not precious in a restrictive way, he really trusts the company. It makes for a very collaborative, slightly surreal rehearsal room.

Meg carries both strength and vulnerability throughout the show. How do you balance those qualities in your performance?
I think if you try to “play strong,” it usually comes across as anything but. The strength really comes from allowing the vulnerability to exist. It’s more about letting her be than trying to prove anything if that makes sense.

I think the strength comes from what she endures, not how loudly she declares it.

What themes do you think will resonate most strongly with Australian audiences?
Definitely community. There’s a real sense of people pulling together when things get tough. Also that push and pull between staying rooted and wanting something more.

I think the emotional pull of love, loss, and home will land no matter where you’re from.

Many fans know you from your powerhouse vocals in Wicked. Are there any musical moments in The Last Ship that you’re particularly excited for audiences to hear?
There are a few moments that are much quieter but sneak up on you emotionally, which I love. It’s a different kind of “powerhouse”, less fireworks, more slow burn. Hopefully just as satisfying, a different kind of emotional payoff!

Sharing the stage with musical artists like Sting and Shaggy must bring a unique energy to the production. What has it been like collaborating with them?
It’s been wonderfully surreal. They bring such a distinct musical identity, but there’s no sense of hierarchy, just a genuine love of the work. It keeps everything feeling very alive, which is exactly what you want.

Finally, for audiences coming to see The Last Ship in Brisbane this April, what can they expect from this production?
They can expect something really heartfelt and human. It’s not flashy for the sake of it, it tells a story that stays with you.

Hopefully, they’ll leave feeling a little bit more connected to the people around them.

Quickfire Round

Three words to describe The Last Ship.
Gritty, heartfelt, human.

Your ultimate pre-show pump-up song?
Honestly, it changes daily, but anything a bit feral and female usually does the trick. At the moment, I’m not mad at a bit of Dua Lipa to get me out of my own head.

Dream role you haven’t played yet?
I’m not sure it’s been written yet! But I’m dying to make my Broadway debut 🙂

The first musical that made you fall in love with theatre?
My mum took me to see Phantom of The Opera. It was my first West End show, and I remember being completely overwhelmed in the best way, like, “oh, this is what theatre can do.”

Your must-have item in the dressing room?
A good speaker, because mood is everything. And about three different lip balms that all do the same thing.

Favourite moment in the show (without spoilers)?
There’s a very still, emotional moment where everything just sort of lands. No big theatrics, just people listening. Those are my favourite bits.

The role that changed your career the most?
I started out on an Andrew Lloyd Webber TV show when I was 21 and it opened a lot of doors for me. It was the biggest most public audition of my life!

If you weren’t performing, what would you be doing?
Something still creative, I think. Maybe working in content or storytelling in a different way. Or owning a very aesthetic café that I’d take far too seriously…

One word to describe opening night nerves?
Electric.

Go-to post-show treat?
Something salty and something sweet—ideally both at once. I’m not above a late-night room service moment.

Favourite city you’ve performed in so far?
How can I not say Brisbane?! This city has really been showing off for us. It’s so beautiful here, we never want to leave!

A performer you’d love to share the stage with one day?
Ooo tough. There’s so many! I’d be honoured to share the stage with a legend like Dame Judi Dench, or honestly, anyone who makes me slightly nervous in a good way!