Michael Paynter Is Set To Play John Farnham In 'Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical

Australian hero. The voice of a generation.

Michael Paynter is set to play John Farnham in the upcoming musical Whispering Jack.

A world premiere Australian musical that pays tribute to a national treasure.

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), Talent Works and acclaimed writer Jack Yabsley 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.

Michael caught up with the team on the Today show to chat about being cast in the royal, and performs a fabulous version of Burn For You.

Tickets are on sale now through Sydney Theatre Company. 

Source: YouTube/TodayShow

More from Entertainment News

Fuel Watch
  • 152.9: Atlas Fuel Golden Bay
  • 165.5: X Convenience Erskine
  • 165.9: Shell Reddy Express Lakelands
  • 165.9: Shell Reddy Express Mandurah
  • 165.9: Shell Reddy Express Halls Head