Announcing Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical For 2026

Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley, together with Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director, Mitchell Butel, today announced that the world premiere of WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL will debut at Sydney Theatre Company in November 2026, as part of the Company’s landmark 2026 Season.

Timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of John Farnham’s record-shattering 1986 album WHISPERING JACK, the new Australian musical will bring to the stage the remarkable story of the man who became known as “The Voice.”

WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM 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. The musical explores the personal and creative stakes behind the making of WHISPERING JACK, the highest-selling Australian album of all time.

At its heart is the story of the people who stood beside him. Jill Farnham, his wife and pillar of strength, and Glenn Wheatley, his manager and friend who risked everything to make the dream a reality.

Written by Jack Yabsley and directed by Mitchell Butel, the musical will feature a soundtrack that defined generations. WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL will showcase Farnham’s greatest hits alongside unforgettable songs of the era. From power ballads to pop anthems, this collection of songs underscores Farnham’s remarkable versatility and cements his place as one of Australia’s most enduring voices.

John Farnham said:

“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! 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.”

Producer Michael Cassel said:

“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.

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.”

Producer Gaynor Wheatley said:

“WHISPERING JACK isn’t just an album, it’s part of the fabric of this country. Glenn believed in John when others didn’t, and together with Jill, we risked everything to make it happen. To now see that story come alive on stage, with all of its heart, humour, and grit, produced with Michael Cassel and this magnificent creative team, is deeply personal and incredibly exciting. John’s legacy deserves nothing less than this kind of theatrical celebration.”

Mitchell Butel, Director of WHISPERING JACK and Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company, said:

“The first ever stage musical I saw was PIPPIN starring John Farnham when I was 4 years old. His performance rocked my young mind, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since. To be directing WHISPERING JACK as my first musical as Artistic Director of Sydney Theatre Company, quite a few years later, is a total thrill and honour.

This is a story not just of a phenomenal talent and voice but of a man whose kindness, generosity, mischief and passion galvanised a community of friends, family and fans around an album and new sound that saw Farnham’s career rise like a phoenix from the fire.

It’s a tale of second chances and ultimately of love. Sydney Theatre Company has a proud history of creating bold and exciting shows that have become international sensations such as MURIEL’S WEDDING: THE MUSICAL, THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, THE PRESENT and TAP DOGS. I hope WHISPERING JACK will set hearts alight in a similar way.”

Tickets will be available as part of Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 Season subscription packages:

Priority booking dates for renewing Sydney Theatre Company Season Ticket Holders:
10-13 plays Wed 17 September
6-9 plays Mon 22 September
3-5 plays Wed 29 October

Season Ticket packages available to everyone:
10-13 plays Wed 1 October
6-9 plays Fri 10 October
3-5 plays Thu 6 November.

General Public single ticket on-sale details will be announced at a later date. Sign up to STC e-news for updates: sydneytheatre.com.au/enews.

WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL runs from 15 November 2026 at Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay as part of Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 Season.

Website: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sydneytheatreco/

Images supplied.

About the Artists and Creatives:

John Farnham is one of Australia’s most celebrated and enduring performers, affectionately known as “The Voice.” Born in 1949 in Dagenham, England, and migrating to Australia as a child, Farnham first captured the nation’s attention in the late 1960s as a teen pop idol with his breakout hit Sadie (The Cleaning Lady). What began as a novelty single launched a career that would span more than five decades.

After early chart success and a period of reinvention, Farnham cemented his place in Australian music history with the release of WHISPERING JACK in 1986. Featuring the anthemic You’re the Voice, the album became the highest-selling record in Australian history, spending 25 weeks at No. 1 and redefining the sound of the era. The record’s triumph signalled a remarkable comeback and transformed Farnham into a global icon.

Over the course of his career, Farnham has released numerous multi-platinum albums and delivered unforgettable performances, from sold-out national tours to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. His vocal power and emotional storytelling have earned him 21 ARIA Awards, an Order of Australia, and recognition as Australian of the Year in 1987.

Beyond his musical achievements, Farnham’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and community. Supported by his wife Jill and the late Glenn Wheatley, his manager and lifelong friend, Farnham’s journey has inspired countless Australians with its message of persistence and heart.

Despite health challenges in recent years, Farnham’s influence as “The Voice” of Australian music remains unmatched. His legacy continues to resonate across generations, uniting audiences with songs that speak to courage, hope, and the power of believing in your own voice.

Jack Yabsley is an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter with a passion for Australian comedy. Creator/head writer of comedy series Gold Diggers (ABC), he has earned AWG, AACTA, ADG, and SPAA nominations. As director, his film Kings of Baxter won Best Documentary at Antenna and Melbourne Documentary Festivals, earning him an ADG nomination. He started his career as host of some of the country’s most popular kids’ TV shows, Saturday Disney, Totally Wild, and Match It. In 2005, Jack dressed as a waiter and snuck into a concert to see his lifelong hero, John Farnham, perform. It was the best night of his life.

Mitchell Butel is a multi-award-winning director, performer, writer and producer, currently Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Sydney Theatre Company. He has received four Helpmann Awards, four Sydney Theatre Awards and two Green Room Awards for his work across Australia, as well as international credits in New York, London, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

From 2019 to 2024, he led State Theatre Company South Australia, directing acclaimed productions including The Questions, Hibernation, Ripcord, Candide, Decameron 2.0 and Girls & Boys. Other directing highlights include Violet, Spring Awakening, Porgy and Bess, Funny Girl, Caroline, or Change, and The Loves of Apollo and Dafne. He has collaborated with major companies including Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, Melbourne Theatre Company, Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Pinchgut Opera, contributing to over 200 professional productions.

Since launching Michael Cassel Group in 2012, Michael has produced major theatrical productions across Australia, Broadway, the West End and Asia. He was the lead producer of the Broadway and West End premiere of Sydney Theatre Company’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Sarah Snook, which won two Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards. His other credits include MJ the Musical, Beetlejuice the Musical, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Dear Evan Hansen, Titanique and the upcoming West End production of Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo.

Cassel has also produced global tours of The Lion King, Les Misérables and & Juliet, as well as televised events and concerts including The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Darren Criss and Patti LuPone. He was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his service to theatre, holds honorary doctorates from the University of Wollongong and Griffith University, and serves on the Board of the NIDA Foundation Trust, an independent body that raises funds for the National Institute of Dramatic Arts.

Gaynor Wheatley’s journey from a celebrated actress to a supportive figure in the Australian music scene underscores her enduring presence and influence within the industry. Gaynor was married to Glenn Wheatley, and they were both instrumental in the career of John Farnham, having mortgaged their home to finance Farnham’s 1986 album WHISPERING JACK which became the highest-selling album by an Australian artist.

Gaynor Wheatley has remained active in the music community. She played a role in the 2023 documentary John Farnham: Finding the Voice, which chronicles the life and career of the Australian music icon.

Established in 1978, Sydney Theatre Company brings the best of Australian and international theatre to the people of Sydney. From its home on Sydney Harbour’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Sydney Theatre Company presents an annual curated program of around 700 performances a year at the Wharf Theatres – the Company’s headquarters within a repurposed 100-year-old shipping wharf – and the 900-seat Roslyn Packer Theatre, as well as seasons as resident theatre company at Sydney Opera House. The current Artistic Director is award-winning actor and director, Mitchell Butel.

Renowned Sydney Theatre Company productions in recent years include former Artistic Director Kip Williams’ adaptations of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula; Suzie Miller’s RBG: Of Many One; Joanna Murray-Smith’s Julia and The Talented Mr Ripley and; Verity Laughton’s adaptation of Pip Williams’ best-seller The Dictionary of Lost Words.