US EditionJohn Farnham Musical ‘Whispering Jack’ Sets 2026 Sydney Premiere
Michael Paynter will portray John Farnham in a new musical marking 40 years since the iconic 1986 album Whispering Jack, highlighting Farnham’s vocal legacy and cultural impact.
- On Monday February 2, tickets went on sale for Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical, with Michael Paynter cast as John Farnham for the November 15 run at Roslyn Packer Theatre.
- Written by Jack Yabsley, the musical dramatizes the making of Farnham's 1986 Whispering Jack album, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
- With 10,000 hours of professional experience, Paynter's Gethsemane performance in Jesus Christ Superstar was decisive in auditions, according to Mitchell Butel, Sydney Theatre Company artistic director.
- Gaynor Wheatley noted the production aims to honour Farnham's legacy while he remains out of the public spotlight following his 2022 mouth cancer diagnosis and recovery.
- After he wraps his Great Australian Songbook national tour, Michael Paynter plans to use the eight months preparation time to research the role, while Sydney Theatre Company positions Whispering Jack musical as a major commercial event.
12 Articles
12 Articles
John Farnham Musical ‘Whispering Jack’ Sets 2026 Sydney Premiere
A stage musical celebrating the career of John Farnham will premiere in Sydney later this year. Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical is set to debut Nov. 15, 2026, at Roslyn Packer Theatre as part of the Sydney Theatre Company’s season, producers announced Monday (Feb. 2). The production will star Michael Paynter in the role of Farnham. Paynter recently led the 2025 Australian season of Jesus Christ Superstar and has previously toured w…
Pop star turned theatre lead tapped to play John Farnham
Michael Paynter has been cast as John Farnham in the upcoming stage production Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical, a new Australian musical set to premiere in Sydney later this year. The production will open at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in November, marking 40 years since Farnham’s Whispering Jack album first transformed him from a working pop singer into one of Australia’s most commercially dominant recording artists. Michael Paynter The…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
