World Premiere of Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical to Debut at Sydney Theatre Company
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.
Photo provided: John Farnham
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."
Michael Cassel, Producer, 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."
Gaynor Wheatley, Producer, 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, and 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.