From Johnny to Jack

From Johnny to Jack
Original concept by Luke Kennedy. Developed by Adam Brunes, Naomi Price and Luke Kennedy. Directed by Naomi Price. Presented by The Little Red Company. Powerhouse Theatre, 15 – 16 February, 2019

Perfectly pitched power-ballads combined with excellent storytelling in this fascinating show covering the career ups and downs of John ‘Farnsie’ Farnham. The show gives fans and even those not too familiar with his work a whole new appreciation for John Farnham. His tenacity in the face of adversity is worthy of respect. As lead Luke Kennedy puts it, “He had nearly two decades to quit, but he didn’t”.

Kennedy has an amazing voice which he maintains right from the powerful vocals in the opening number, One to the medley of successful Farnham favourites in the encore. When you close your eyes, it’s easy to imagine Kennedy is Farnham. He is capable of delivering a spookily accurate likeness in vocal tone and phrasing. His ability to blast you away with a powerful and long-held note is as good as, if not better than Farnsie’s. Kennedy is charismatic, slick, well presented and he charms the audience from start to finish. He has great focus and warmth, as does his six-piece band.  

Keys, drums, violin, bass and lead guitar work extremely well together. They’re tight and on point. Eagle-eyed audience members can see the band communicating and signalling to each other, lifting each other up and clearly having a ball on stage. It’s a very warm and supportive vibe, with every performer having a chance to shine.  

Stephen Ward’s work on lead guitar is especially outstanding in Playing to Win and Help!. Drummer Mik Easterman puts his whole body into his work; his enjoyment is palpable and infectious. Stefanie Caccamo shows talent on keys, but she shines brightest in her vocals in Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head. The performance is a perfectly haunting metaphor for the time when Farnham is suffering from depression and anxiety during one of the lowest points in his career. Jonny Ng demonstrates nimble, evocative skills on violin.

Lighting design by Sam Gibb perfectly matches the mood for each number. It’s especially effective during the lowest points in Farnham’s career. Jamie Taylor’s sound design is excellent. Everyone is mixed well, with no one instrument domineering too much over the others.

Reminiscing in the LRB medley is a stand-out track, with great keyboard work from pianist Michael Manikus supporting the band’s heavenly harmonies. You’re the Voice gets the whole crowd on their feet and singing along. Bridge Over Troubled Water and Burn for You are both performed so heartbreakingly and beautifully it brings a tear to the eye. The first half of the show definitely has more obscure songs for the trainspotters, including numbers from the musicals Charlie Girl and Pippin in which Farnham appeared in his early career. 

From Johnny to Jackis a joy to behold for fans of Farnham and those who may be less familiar with his work. It features intriguing storytelling, outstanding music and vocal work that is second to none.

Kiesten McCauley 

Photographer: Dylan Evans

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