Paynter tunes up for Farnham role with Geelong gig

AUSTRALIAN singer Michael Paynter has officially been cast to play the legendary John Farnham in a new musical, and Geelong locals will have a chance to see him before its premiere.

Following his 2025 award-winning turn as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Paynter will now take on the most anticipated role in Australian theatre and the mantle of the man known as “The Voice”, bringing his signature range, power and finesse to Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical.

Local audiences will be familiar with Paynter after seeing him on stage with Jimmy Barnes and Icehouse at Mt Duneed Estate in November last year.

“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 said.

“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.”

While preparing for the production, which will open in November, Paynter has already become the hottest ticket of 2026 with his The Great Australian Songbook tour.

With an initial run of sold-out solo shows across the country, new shows have been added in Geelong, Richmond (Sydney), Canberra and Perth, as well as more dates in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

The Great Australian Songbook tour has grown from an initial eight dates to now more than 20 – many of which are already sold out.

Responding to requests from fans, Paynter has also created an EP of the songs he will perform at these shows, titled The Great Australian Songbook LIVE Vol. 1., which was released this week.

“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,” Paynter said.

“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.”

Michael Paynter will perform at Geelong Arts Centre on June 13. Limited tickets are still available.

For more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/michael-paynter