A new musical titled Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical is set to premiere in Sydney in November 2024, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Farnham’s iconic album. The production narrates the journey of Farnham, who transformed from a struggling pop star into the voice behind Australia’s highest-selling album. This compelling story unfolds between 1980 and 1986, highlighting the pivotal role of those who supported him, including his wife, Jill Farnham, and his manager, Glenn Wheatley, who famously mortgaged their home to finance the album.
Writer Jack Yabsley, known for his work on ABC TV’s Gold Diggers, describes the production as a “zero to hero” narrative, emphasizing the challenges and risks Farnham faced during his comeback. “What does it mean to go from success as a teenager to being 35 and down and out?” Yabsley reflects. He believes Farnham’s determination to evolve artistically resonates deeply with audiences.
The Sydney Theatre Company (STC) will direct the production, with Mitchell Butel at the helm. This marks Butel’s inaugural season as artistic director, which will also feature a range of new plays, including a piece about the AFLW from writer Suzie Miller and an adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad starring David Wenham. Butel expresses personal ties to Farnham’s story, recalling how he first saw the singer perform in Pippin back in 1974. He believes that while Whispering Jack may not be traditional STC fare, it has the potential to attract a younger audience.
Yabsley’s admiration for Farnham runs deep. He fondly recalls family road trips through regional New South Wales, during which they played Whispering Jack on repeat. A memorable incident involved him sneaking into a Farnham concert by posing as a waiter, a testament to his dedication as a “hardcore fan.” When Yabsley learned that the Michael Cassel Group was developing a musical about Farnham, he felt compelled to contribute his vision, focusing on humor and emotional depth.
Butel’s approach for the 2026 STC season aims to “hold space for difference,” featuring a mix of comedies, dramas, and musicals. He emphasizes that theater uniquely changes perspectives through conflict and storytelling. The season, which aims to reinvigorate box office sales, comes at a time when government funding for the arts is declining. In 2024, STC reported a loss of $565,759, prompting Butel and his team to seek more sustainable funding avenues.
Among the productions slated for the season is a musical adaptation of My Brilliant Career, alongside three world premieres of new Australian works, including Whispering Jack and Strong Is the New Pretty by Suzie Miller. The lineup also includes The Normal Heart, a significant American play addressing the AIDS crisis. Butel, who starred in the recent production, views this as a moment to reconnect with the audience and showcase the evolution of the STC.
As Whispering Jack prepares to take the stage, it promises to be a celebration of resilience and the human spirit, capturing the essence of John Farnham’s remarkable journey. This musical not only honors a beloved artist but also embodies the transformative power of storytelling in theatre.
