The Sydney Theatre Company (STC) is preparing to kick off what promises to be an explosive 2026 season. Audiences are in for a treat with an exciting new blend of fresh Australian creations, international plays and a hotly anticipated musical ode to the country’s legendary singer John Farnham. Under the leadership of artistic director Mitchell Butel, STC aims to advocate for sustainable arts funding while celebrating the legacy of Farnham through “Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical,” which will premiere in November 2024, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of his blockbuster album, “Whispering Jack.”
Butel went on to explain the importance of varied perspectives in storytelling on stage. He announced that his first season is dedicated to “holding space for otherness.” Expect a lineup of comedies, dramas and musicals that have inspired and moved audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Among the highlights is “Whispering Jack,” written by John Farnham superfan Jack Yabsley, who describes the musical as a heartfelt exploration of Farnham’s journey from a struggling pop star to the voice behind Australia’s highest-selling album.
A Commitment to Advocacy and Sustainability
With the arts industry feeling the budgetary weight around the world, STC hasn’t shied away from lobbying for government assistance. In particular, the company is advocating for more sustainable arts funding and a tax offset for pre-production costs. Additionally, STC announced a record loss of $565,759 in 2024. This gap is a result of increasing government disinvestment and decreasing philanthropic support.
Under the leadership of Mitchell Butel, this advocacy represents a major turning point. He believes that “in every show, a point of view is changed because of a conflict or rhetoric or persuasion or an event.” He underscores the necessity of theatre as a medium that fosters dialogue and understanding, stating, “Theatre does that better than any other medium.”
STC recently brought Larry Kramer’s play “The Normal Heart” to the stage. First produced at STC in 1989, this production is a beautiful but potent reminder of the change positive impactful theatre can create. The State Theatre Company South Australia brought the play back to life in 2022. Butel voiced Kramer’s alter-ego, Ned. Reflecting on his experience, Butel remarked, “I had one of the greatest nights of my life performing in The Normal Heart.”
A Diverse Lineup for 2026
This coming 2023 season would include seven plays from abroad, including the UK, US and India, and a trio of new Australian works billed as world premieres. Other notable works in this collection include “Whispering Jack” and “Strong Is the New Pretty,” written by Suzie Miller. What’s more, “Bennelong in London,” by Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison, is exceptional, too. The addition of these works shows STC’s interest in producing work by local talent and voices from all over the world.
Yabsley can hardly contain his enthusiasm for “Whispering Jack.” He thinks it will reach the younger audience while maintaining what’s important about Farnham’s story at the core. He explains, “For many people, their first entrée into theatre is through musical theatre.” He adds that the musical will explore themes of resilience and transformation: “What does that mean when you’ve had success as a teenager to be 35 and down and out?”
STC recently held a hit musical adaptation of my brilliant career. Starring Kala Gare, this thrilling production comes to us direct from the Melbourne Theatre Company. This impressive, varied lineup highlights Butel’s mission to make STC a creative, surprising home for boundary-pushing story.
Bringing Star Power to the Stage
STC’s 2026 season will bring back high profile artists including David Wenham and Miranda Otto. This will be Wenham’s first performance with STC since 1997, and Butel has long wanted to welcome him back to the STC stage. “I’ve been trying to lure David back to the theatre for many years,” he revealed. This renewed engagement with influential players in Australia’s arts sector re-establishes STC’s reputation at the forefront of psycho-political theatre in Australia.
Farnham has long held a special place in Yabsley’s heart. His family discovered him after long drives around regional New South Wales, listening to his music. He expresses a profound understanding of the challenges faced by artists: “As someone who works in the arts, that’s something I can relate to so deeply.” He articulates the risks artists take when attempting to redefine themselves, noting the courage it takes to change one’s sound or name while still striving to connect with audiences: “And to have the strength to take all those risks to change your sound, your name, everything that you’re doing and say, ‘I still have something to say.’”
The dialogue between seasoned stars and fresh talent will make for a dynamic experience for performers and audiences food at the same time. Believes this mixture is essential for fostering new narratives: “STC brings brilliant world theatre to Sydney, and it takes brilliant Sydney theatre [like Dorian Gray] to the world.”
