Australian vocal powerhouse John Farnham has long been hailed as “The Voice” for his soaring multi-octave range, signature raspy tone, and jovial stage presence. Now, the search for the man to inhabit that iconic role is over.
Michael Paynter – session musician, actor, and producer – has been cast in the titular role for the upcoming world premiere of Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical. The production explores Farnham’s vocal genius and a career defined by unlikely second chances.
Paynter, currently a full-time member of the Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes touring bands, is perhaps best known for his turn as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. Farnham famously played the same role in Harry M. Miller’s landmark 1992 production alongside Kate Ceberano and Jon Stevens.
“I think there are a lot of similarities in our lives and his second career wind,” Paynter said. “I’ve been doing this professionally since I was 18. All the experience and the 10,000 hours developed on television and on the road with the Little River Band when the time came for him to take his moment, he was prepared. Just like him, I hope I’m ready to honour his legacy. I wouldn’t have considered the role if I didn’t think I could give it my all.”
The musical Whispering Jack is set to open at the Roslyn Packer Theatre this November, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 1986 release of the album Whispering Jack, which transformed the financially struggling artist into one of the biggest selling Australian performers of all time.
The casting comes during a “meteoric” year for Paynter, who turned 40 last Thursday – only a few years older than Farnham was during his comeback. Sydney Theatre Company (STC) artistic director Mitchell Butel revealed that Paynter’s rendition of Gethsemane was the deciding factor in the audition room.
“How do you cast someone to play one of the greatest singers who’s ever lived?” Butel asked. “When I watched Michael . . . his voice and performance took my breath away. It’s been a joy watching Michael unlock a warmth, charm, and with that is spookily Farnham-like.”
The connection is also personal. As a younger musician, Paynter was signed to the same producers as Farnham and even wrote songs for one of John’s albums. “I got a phone call from the studio, and they said, ‘We’re listening to the song you submitted, and we wanted to say how much we loved what you did,’” Paynter recalled. “To this day, that’s the most special phone call I’ve ever received.”
Written by Jack Yabsley (Gold Diggers), the musical dives into the high-stakes period of 1986 where with manager Glenn Wheatley, Farnham recorded the tracks that would redefine his life, led by the powerhouse anthem You’re the Voice.
Co-producer Gaynor Wheatley noted the meticulous nature of the search, saying that Paynter brought an immediate “sense of recognition” to the room. “Audiences will be blown away by the respect, understanding, and care he brings to John’s story,” she said.
The production arrives as Farnham remains out of the public spotlight following his 2022 diagnosis and subsequent recovery from mouth cancer. He was declared cancer-free in July 2023.
