John FarnhamThe Sydney Theatre Company has revealed who will depict two central figures in John Farnham’s life and career, Glenn and Gaynor Wheatley, in the upcoming production, Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical.
In a video posted to social media, Australian actors Ben Hall (Devil’s Playground, Pretty Woman: The Musical) and Bonnie Anderson (Neighbours, The Music of James Bond) confirmed that they’ll portray Glenn and Gaynor Wheatley, respectively.
“We’re very, very excited,” Anderson said. “It is 40 years since Whispering Jack, the album, has been out and we just can’t wait to get on stage and celebrate the life of John Farnham.”
The pair are set to appear during the premiere of Whispering Jack on Sunday, 15 November, at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. The musical will run for seven weeks at the venue, concluding on Sunday, 3 January.
Dates and tickets can be found here.
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Presented by the Sydney Theatre Company, in association with Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley, the production will bring “Farnham’s life, mischief and musical genius to the stage.”
“I am beyond thrilled that Ben Hall and Bonnie Anderson – two supreme and beloved talents – will take on these crucial roles in our show,” said STC Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, per Australian Arts Review.
Butel continued, “Ben’s ability to capture the fire and drive of Glenn Wheatley blew us all over in auditions and having now gotten to know the truly divine and indomitable Gaynor Wheatley in the process of creating this show, I’m delighted that we’ve found someone in Bonnie who can bring to life Gaynor’s charm, wit and grace so winningly.
“John Farnham declared to the world in song to ‘have a little faith in us,’ and I have so much faith in these two blazing stars.”
In February, it was announced that Michael Paynter, fresh off a stint in the lead role for the 2025 season of Jesus Christ Superstar, would portray John Farnham in the 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,” Paynter commented in a statement.
He continued, “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.”
Gaynor Wheatley added, “Finding the right person to step into John’s shoes and bring this story to life has been a meticulous and considered process.
“When Michael Paynter performed the material for the first time, there was an immediate sense of recognition in the room, not just of his remarkable vocal ability, but of the respect, understanding and care he brings to John’s story. Audiences will be blown away by his performance.”
Glenn Wheatley was one of Australia’s best-known music managers, widely known for his work with John Farnham. He passed away in February 2022. Gaynor Wheatley, Glenn’s wife, has been a lifelong friend to John Farnham.
