Ibis Styles Sydney Central - 3 stars hotel - WHISPERING JACK: THE JOHN FARNHAM MUSICAL

World Premiere – Coming to Sydney in 2026

Book by Jack Yabsley | Directed by Mitchell Butel
Presented by Sydney Theatre Company
In association with Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley

This time, he’s playing to win.

The Story

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), TalentWorks (Finding the Voice) and acclaimed writer Jack Yabsley (Gold Diggers) to bring Farnham’s life, mischief and musical genius to the stage.

The Star

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.

Season Details

Venue: Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
Season: From 15 November – 27 December 2026

Ticket Information

Single Tickets: On sale now via Sydney Theatre Company

Booking: Online sydneytheatre.com.au Box Office (02) 9250 1777

Stay with Us at Ibis Styles Sydney Central

Make your theatre experience truly unforgettable by staying in the heart of the action. Ibis Styles Sydney Central offers the perfect base for your night at the theatre.

Why stay with us?

• Comfortable, modern rooms in a prime city location
• Easy access to Walsh Bay and the Roslyn Packer Theatre – just a short trip away
• Close to harbourside dining at The Wharf Restaurant and Bar and Surry Hills’ famous eateries
• Excellent transport links to explore all that Sydney offers
• Delicious buffet breakfast to fuel your day of exploration

Plan Your Theatre Escape

1. Book your tickets to Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical
2. Secure your room at Ibis Styles Sydney Central
3. Explore Surry Hills – enjoy pre-theatre dinner at one of our local restaurants
4. Experience the magic of this world premiere musical
5. Wake up refreshed and ready to explore more of Sydney

 BOOK YOUR STAY AT IBIS STYLES SYDNEY CENTRAL

 SECURE YOUR TICKETS