Michael Paynter Cast As John Farnham in ‘Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical’
The new musical based on the life of The Voice begins in Sydney this November.
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2026 is the year of Michael Paynter. After wowing audiences last year playing Jesus in the blockbuster production of Jesus Christ Superstar, it has now been announced that the award-winning artist will take on the role of legendary Australian artist John Farnham in Sydney Theatre Company’s world premiere production, Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical.
“To be asked to help tell the story of the greatest voice this country has ever produced is an honour that is very hard to put into words,” says Paynter. “For me, John Farnham is the absolute zenith of male singers in all of history. The gold standard that I have spent my entire life being blessed and instructed by. After the whirlwind of the last year, being chosen to be a part of this Musical, on the Sydney Theatre Company stage, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I only hope I can do my best, with what I have been given, to honour the man and his legacy.”
The musical arrives 40 years after the release of Farnham’s most successful release, Whispering Jack, and is produced by Sydney Theatre Company in association with Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley.
Fans can expect to hear all of Johnny’s biggest hits performed, including ‘Pressure Down’, ‘Age of Reason’, ‘Two Strong Hearts’, ‘That’s Freedom’ and more.
Tickets for Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical are on sale now via sydneytheatre.com.au.
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The announcement of Paynter playing Farnham comes as the talented singer-songwriter prepares to embark on his Great Australian Songbook Tour.
What was initially planned as an eight-date run has expanded to over 20 shows, with Paynter performing classic Australian songs from across the decades, including Jimmy Barnes’ ‘Working Class Man’, Sia’s ‘Chandelier’, Icehouse’s ‘Crazy’ and many more.
Paynter is also releasing an EP, The Great Australian Songbook LIVE Vol. 1 (out Wednesday 4 February), to give fans a taste of what to expect from his upcoming tour.
“I was blown away by the reaction from so many people wanting to come and see me play that I wanted to give something back – something for them to listen to and watch after the show is done,” says Paynter. “I wanted to capture the essence of what the live show is about: my interpretations of the songs that mean the most to me. There are no edits here. It’s just the room, the song, my voice, and the moment.”
Paynter’s Great Australian Songbook Tour commences in Perth at Lyric’s Underground on Sunday 8 February. Shows follow in Adelaide, Frankston, Gold Coast, Sydney, Avoca Beach, Richmond, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Geelong and Brisbane. The final date of the tour is Hobart’s Festival of Voices on Friday 10 July. Tickets on sale now via michaelpaynter.com.
Catch Michael Paynter performing at Adelaide Fringe on Wednesday 4 March. Tickets on sale now via michaelpaynter.com.
Michael Paynter Great Australian Songbook 2026 Australian Tour Dates
Sunday 8 February – Lyric’s Underground, Perth, WA SOLD OUT
Wednesday 4 March 6.30pm – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide, SA SOLD OUT
Wednesday 4 March 9pm – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 7 March – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston, VIC SOLD OUT
Sunday 8 March – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston, VIC LIMITED TICKETS
Friday 20 March – Sopo Southport, Gold Coast, QLD
Saturday 11 April Matinee – The Foundry, Sydney, NSW SOLD OUT
Saturday 11 April – The Foundry, Sydney, NSW SOLD OUT
Sunday 12 April – Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca Beach, NSW SOLD OUT
Wednesday 22 April – The Foundry, Sydney, NSW LIMITED TICKETS
Thursday 23 April – The Foundry, Sydney, NSW LIMITED TICKETS
Friday 24 April – The Regent Theatre, Richmond, Sydney NSW
Saturday 2 May – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD SOLD OUT
Sunday 3 May – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD LIMITED TICKETS
Friday 8 May – Playhouse Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Friday 15 May – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC SOLD OUT
Saturday 16 May – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC SOLD OUT
Sunday 17 May – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC SOLD OUT
Friday 29 May – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC LIMITED TICKETS
Wednesday 3 June – Astor Theatre, Perth, WA
Saturday June 13 – The Story Theatre, Geelong, VIC LIMITED TICKETS
Friday 10 July – Festival of Voices, Hobart, TAS
