John Farnham’s breakthrough era is headed for the stage. To mark the 40th anniversary of his landmark 1986 album Whispering Jack, producers Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley have announced Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical — a theatrical dramatization that traces the pivotal five-year period that transformed Farnham from a struggling former teen star into one of Australia’s most beloved voices.

The new production will receive its world premiere at Sydney Theatre Company in November 2026. The creative team aims to illuminate both the triumphs and the sacrifices behind Farnham’s rise, including the roles played by his wife Jill Farnham and his long-time manager and friend Glenn Wheatley.

Whispering Jack was a cultural milestone: the Sony release spent 25 weeks at No. 1 in Australia, sold more than a million copies, and still stands as the highest-selling album by an Australian artist. Anchoring the musical is Farnham’s signature anthem “You’re the Voice,” a song that has endured as an unofficial national rallying cry.

The stagebook is by Jack Yabsley, with Mitchell Butel directing. The score will weave Farnham’s greatest hits together with beloved songs from the era to create a soundtrack that reflects both the artist and his times.

“Musical theatre has a special place in my life — it’s where I met Jill,” Farnham says in a statement. “Seeing this chapter of my story performed on stage is an exhilarating prospect. Above all, it’s about the songs and the people who have connected with them.”

Farnham underwent surgery in August 2022 to remove a cancerous growth and has made only a handful of public appearances since then. He was recently heard via an audiobook excerpt for his memoir, a welcome sign for fans who have been awaiting more from the singer.

The musical follows the 2023 documentary John Farnham: Finding the Voice, which became the highest-grossing Australian music documentary to date. Producers say the stage production will be a personal, human portrait — equal parts heart, humor and grit — honoring the people who helped shape Farnham’s career.

“Glenn believed in John when others didn’t, and together with Jill we risked everything to make it happen,” Gaynor Wheatley says. “To see that story reimagined on stage by such a committed creative team is deeply moving and thoroughly deserved.”

General public ticketing details will be announced at a later date. For updates and e-newsletter signups, visit sydneytheatre.com.au.

This production will draw from the songs that defined Farnham’s career — from early hits to the enduring power of “You’re the Voice” — and aims to present a vivid theatrical portrait of an artist whose music became woven into Australia’s cultural fabric.

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