While Sydney’s theatre industry continues to face mounting challenges, Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical is proving there’s still reason for optimism.
Late last year, Sydney’s theatre and music lovers celebrated the announcement that Australian icon John Farnham would be the subject of a brand-new stage musical.
Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical tells the remarkable story behind the album that transformed Farnham into a household name. Inspired by the creation of Whispering Jack (still the highest-selling Australian album of all time), the production charts one of the greatest comeback stories in Australian music history.
Transporting the audience to a suburban Melbourne garage in 1986, the production follows John Farnham and his manager Glenn Wheatley during a pivotal moment in Farnham’s career. Approaching middle age and facing financial struggles, Farnham began recording an album that would ultimately redefine his place in Australian music.
The musical will make its world premiere at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in November, marking 40 years since the release of Farnham’s iconic 1986 album.
This week, Sydney Theatre Company has announced that due to “overwhelming demand”, the season has been extended, with a final week of performances now on sale from December 28 until January 3.
A beacon of hope for Sydney’s theatre industry?
The extended season of Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical is a welcome boost for Sydney’s theatre industry at a time when the sector has faced a string of setbacks.
The production is co-produced by Michael Cassel Group, which recently cancelled the Sydney seasons of Waitress and Beetlejuice. The company also ended the Sydney run of Back to the Future: The Musical early in January, with producers citing rising touring costs and a more cautious consumer spending environment as key factors behind the decision.
Against that backdrop, the decision to extend Whispering Jack‘s inaugural season is a positive sign of confidence in Sydney’s theatre market.
Written by Australian filmmaker Jack Yabsley, creator of the ABC comedy series Gold Diggers, Whispering Jack arrives at a pivotal moment. The enthusiasm surrounding the production suggests audiences are hungry for original Australian musicals, reminding us that homegrown stories can generate just as much excitement as the biggest Broadway blockbusters.
The cast
After much speculation about who would take on the coveted role of John Farnham, Sydney Theatre Company, Michael Cassel, and Gaynor Wheatley revealed in February that Australian singer-songwriter Michael Paynter will step into his shoes.
Paynter is no stranger to John Farnham’s catalogue, even performing some of his hits as part of the setlist for his upcoming The Great Australian Songbook national tour. The rising star also played the same role as Farnham in Jesus Christ Superstar, 30 years after the legendary vocalist starred in the original Australian production.
Paynter expressed his admiration for Farnham, reflecting on both his legacy and the profound influence he’d had on him personally:
“For me, John Farnham is the absolute zenith of male singers in all of history. The gold standard that I have spent my entire life being blessed and instructed by. After the whirlwind of the last year, being chosen to be a part of this musical, on the Sydney Theatre Company stage, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Joining Michael Paynter on stage is a stellar Aussie cast, including Bonnie Anderson (Neighbours, The Masked Singer) as Gaynor Wheatley and Ben Hall (Neighbours) as Glenn Wheatley.
How to get tickets
Tickets went live in February and are available to purchase here. They start at $100 for adults, with under-30s able to secure their seat for $79.
