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WHISPERING JACK

THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL

WHISPERING JACK

Overview

John Farnham. King of Pop. Australian hero. The voice of a generation. But as a cash-strapped father, approaching middle age, in the midst of an Australian rock revolution, it could have gone a very different way. 

In an outer Melbourne suburban garage in 1986, Farnham, with a new band and manager Glenn Wheatley, began work on an album and a song called You’re the Voice that would transform his career and their lives. This is the story of an overnight sensation, 20 years in the making. 

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the highest-selling Australian album of all time, Whispering Jack, Sydney Theatre Company and Artistic Director Mitchell Butel join forces with Michael Cassel Group (Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), TalentWorks (Finding the Voice) and acclaimed writer Jack Yabsley (Gold Diggers) to bring Farnham’s life, mischief and musical genius to the stage. 

Starring vocal powerhouse Michael Paynter (Jesus Christ Superstar, Australian Idol) as the legend himself, Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical is a celebration, not just of hits like Pressure Down, Age of Reason, Two Strong Hearts and That’s Freedom, but also of friendship, family and a great Australian artist’s desire to shine a light on the world around us.

This time, he’s playing to win.

Creative

Cast

Michael Paynter

Director

Mitchell Butel

Choreographer

Fabian Aloise

Music Supervisor & Arrangements

Carmel Dean

Orchestrator

Kris Kukul

Set Designer

Jeremy Allen

Costume Designer

Renée Mulder

Lighting Designer

Matt Scott

Music Director

Zara Stanton

Associate Director

Kenneth Moraleda

Cast appearances may vary from performance to performance. Swings and understudies are an integral part of musical theatre productions and may perform as required. Cast line‑ups are subject to change.


Partners

In Association with

Media Partner

Production Patrons

Jane & Andrew Clifford, The JAAM Foundation


Venue Details

Roslyn Packer Theatre
Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000

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Event Details

Previews
15 - 24 Nov
Night with the Artists
1 Dec 6:30pm
Season
15 Nov - 27 Dec 2026
Approx. Duration
2 hrs 30 mins, including interval

Duration and content are subject to change.


Tickets

Adult
$91 - 225Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Australian Seniors Card
$91 - 225Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Australian Pensioner
$91 - 225Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Australian Full Time Student
$91 - 225Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark
Under 30
$85 - 225Tooltip circle icon with an exclamation mark

Transaction fees may apply: $0 Online Season Ticket bookings, $8.95 single ticket bookings.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.


Accessible Performances

AUSLAN InterpretedAUSLAN Interpreted

Sun 13 Dec 1:00pm

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CaptionedCaptioned

Tue 15 Dec 6:30pm

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Sat 19 Dec 1:30pm

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Audio DescribedAudio Described

Sat 19 Dec 1:30pm

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