Whispering Jack: Landmark John Farnham Musical Announced for Sydney Premiere
A new stage production honoring the storied career of Australian music icon John Farnham is scheduled to make its world debut in Sydney late next year. Titled Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical, the show is set to open on November 15, 2026, at the Roslyn Packer Theatre as a highlight of the Sydney Theatre Company’s upcoming season.
Acclaimed performer Michael Paynter has been cast in the lead role. Paynter, who recently earned praise for his performance in the 2025 Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His connection to Farnham is deeply personal, having previously served as a touring musician for the legend, as well as performing with iconic bands like ICEHOUSE and Jimmy Barnes.
“To be entrusted with telling the story of the greatest voice this country has ever produced is an honor that is difficult to articulate,” Paynter said in a statement. “For me, John Farnham represents the absolute pinnacle of male vocalists in history.”
The musical focuses on the creation and enduring impact of the 1986 album Whispering Jack. The record remains the highest-selling Australian album of all time and served as the definitive turning point in Farnham’s career. The production will feature his most iconic hits, including the powerhouse anthem “You’re the Voice,” which topped the domestic charts for seven weeks and became a global phenomenon.
Producer Gaynor Wheatley revealed that finding the right lead followed an exhaustive national search. “When Michael Paynter performed the material for the first time, there was an immediate, palpable sense of recognition in the room,” she noted.
Artistic director Mitchell Butel echoed this sentiment, stating that Paynter’s recent stage work solidified the casting decision. “John Farnham is more than just a magnificent voice,” Butel remarked. “He is the consummate showman and a master musical storyteller.”
Tickets for the highly anticipated premiere of Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical are currently available through the Sydney Theatre Company’s official box office.
