Timed to the 40th anniversary of the iconic album of the same name, ‘Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical’ will premiere in Sydney, honouring the voice of a generation, at Sydney Theatre Company.
‘Whispering Jack’ will make up part of Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 season.
The musical takes audiences behind the scenes of the five extraordinary years that redefined Farnham’s career, from a broke, former teen idol, to the voice of a nation. It explores the personal and creative stakes behind the creation of ‘Whispering Jack’. . . The highest-selling Australian album of all time.
“Musicals have always held a very special place in my heart as it's where I met Jill. To see this part of my story brought to life on stage is an adventure that might just require you strapping on your seatbelt!” John Farnham says.
“For me it has always been about the songs. From ‘Sadie’ to ‘You’re The Voice’, I am forever grateful for both these songs and the people who connect with my music.”
The musical is written by Jack Yabsley and directed by Mitchell Butel, featuring a soundtrack that defined generations. It will showcase Farnham’s greatest hits, alongside the unforgettable songs of the era.
“This is more than a new musical – it’s a celebration of an artist who defined generations and a moment in time that changed Australian music forever and formed part of the DNA of this country,” Producer Michael Cassel says.
“‘Whispering Jack’ is a story of resilience, creativity, and finding your voice, themes that feel as urgent and universal today as they did in 1986. To be working alongside someone as passionate as Gaynor Wheatley, and to be premiering this production as a development production allows us the rare chance to refine the work in front of an audience before it reaches its next stage. To do so with Sydney Theatre Company is an added gift. We hope this is just the beginning of something very special.”
‘Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical’ premieres at Roslyn Packer Theatre (Sydney) from 15 November, 2026.
