In true Farnham fashion, Melbourne theatre icon Stephen Valeri is at it again – bringing the mullet, the nostalgia and his trademark powerhouse vocals back to Chapel Off Chapel this May with the return of AGE OF STEPHEN – a hilarious, heartfelt and gloriously over-the-top ode to Australia’s beloved music icon, John Farnham.
Returning for the first time since 2019, Valeri is proving that, just like Farnsey, he’s not quite ready to call ‘last drinks’ just yet. AGE OF STEPHEN is a fast-paced hour of comedy, storytelling and wall-to-wall Farnsey hits including Pressure Down, Two Strong Hearts and You’re The Voice, that celebrates Australia’s enduring love affair with The Voice.
John Farnham may be one of Australia’s most adored performers of all time. But according to Valeri, their connection goes much deeper. Throughout the show, he sets out to prove that he and Farnsey share a spiritual bond, while squeezing as many iconic hits as humanly possible into one joy-filled hour.
“I was raised on John Farnham, just like a whole generation of Aussie music lovers” says Valeri. “This show is for us Farnsey fanatics – the ones who couldn’t get enough of the big hair, big heart and even bigger voice!”
Presented in the intimate surrounds of Chapel Off Chapel – one of Melbourne’s iconic homes for live music and performance – AGE OF STEPHEN blends quirky Farnham trivia with Valeri’s own entertaining and sometimes surprisingly personal anecdotes, creating a theatrical experience that is equal parts nostalgic, laugh-out-loud funny and musically thrilling.
Since its debut, the show has earned praise for Valeri’s charisma, comedic timing and uncanny vocal power, with audiences and critics alike embracing his infectious love for Farnham’s legendary catalogue. Valeri assures audiences this isn’t your typical tribute show. “It’s more of an all-in, loving celebration of all things Farnsey,” he says.
Backed by a three-piece band featuring Melbourne musicians Caleb Garfinkel, Kellie-Anne Kimber and Andrew Rousch, audiences can expect 17 of Farnham’s biggest hits packed into an hour of camp chaos – complete with audience interaction, cheeky humour and plenty of singalong moments.
Whether you’re a lifelong Farnsey tragic or simply ready for a night of big laughs and bigger choruses, AGE OF STEPHEN promises a nostalgic, joy-filled celebration of Australian music that audiences won’t soon forget.
Stephen Valeri: AGE OF STEPHEN
The Loft – Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Performance: 29 – 31 May 2026
Information and Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
Image: Stephen Valeri – photo by Angel Leggas, 3 Fates Media