Raised on Aussie rock in a big Italian household, Perth-born performer Jayda D’Agostino channels her inner Farnham in a heartfelt return to the music of her childhood. Now in her twenties, she’s spent her life chasing joy and meaning, and the occasional existential crisis – all to the timeless soundtrack of John Farnham.
How would you describe your show to someone who knows very little about it?
Age of Reason is part rock concert, part cabaret, full of iconic John Farnham classics brought to life with a live band, heartfelt storytelling, and more than a few moments that will get you on your feet. Step into my music room, surrounded by vinyl records, and let the soundtrack of my childhood take you straight back to your most treasured memories. If you’ve ever turned to music to make sense of life, or are a fan of Aussie Rock, this one’s for you!
What makes it stand out and why should people see it?
Age of Reason combines both personal stories of my own with John Farnham classics, making it a truly unique experience for any John Farnham fan! It differs from your typical tribute show in that way, but it is also ultimately a celebration of the works of John Farnham, and centres on the impact his music had on my life
How long was the process from idea to writing to stage? Any challenges along the way?
Age of Reason was born about a year ago, simply as an idea posed to my Dad in a restaurant on Collins Street. My Dad, being the massive John Farnham fan, he is and a big inspiration for the show, was very emotional when I mentioned the idea, so I knew I had something here that I wanted to try and see through. I worked through the songs with my vocal coach and original member of the Farnham band Susie Ahern and started collating stories. Fun fact – the concept of basing the show in my music room and pulling out vinyl records came to me in a dream randomly, and it stuck! I premiered the show in January 2026 at Perth Fringe World. As long-time performer in other fringe shows and a big fan of the festival in Perth, this was the first time that I have ever produced my own show, and it was a very special experience!
In terms of challenges, I truly do face a new challenge to do with this show every day. Self-producing a show comes with so many ups and downs, and the wins go hand in hand with the rejections, but all I can do is remind myself just how important this show is to me, and the joy it brings me to perform, and to hope that people want to spend their evening with me!
What attracts you to Fringe?
I have been a long-time lover of Fringe, and I have been consistently inspired and attracted to the diversity of acts. There is so much on offer at these open access arts festivals, and so there is truly a show for everyone! If you’ve never seen a fringe show, I encourage you to make a night out of it this season. You may find a new artist you’ve never heard of and create a new favourite! I also love how Fringe creates opportunities for emerging artists and independent producers, it gives many shows their first ever audiences and is truly a platform to create and launch independent works.
How would you describe your relationship with the audience and what do you love the most about live performance?
Age of Reason has produced such rich and varied audience interactions, as especially in a cabaret, the audience are as much involved in the show as me. There is a part in the show where I ask people to tell me their favourite John Farnham associated memory, and I have gotten so many wonderful stories in Perth and Adelaide, but the overarching sentiment is just how much this man and his music mean to people. It always makes me emotional to hear! I also love when people sing along. I instantly feel comforted and supported by these audience members, and I know that we already have a connection, because at the heart of it I’m just a John Farnham fangirl too!
Who would you say have been your biggest inspirations?
I would be amiss not to say John Farnham – not only for that voice, but for his story of perseverance. He received so much rejection in his early career and had so much push back as he tried to reinvent himself with Whispering Jack, but he was truly able to prove them wrong and to cement his legacy as a true music legend. My parents also consistently inspire me – they have pretty much co-produced the show with me and their work ethic and self-starting nature has been a major driving force in my career. My dad and his love for Aussie Rock is one of the main inspirations behind the show, and my mum truly does keep me sane and is my best friend. Most of this show has been produced with my mum and I sat side by side bouncing ideas and ticking off tasks together!
What are three things that would surprise people to learn about you?
- I am 23! People find this surprising as they don’t expect a 23-year-old to be creating a John Farnham cabaret, but introducing this music to my friends has been consistently inspiring. I love to see their faces when I show them live videos of John Farnham singing. Their minds are blown!
- I studied Music Theatre at WAAPA in Perth, but I started out singing by writing my own music. I wrote my first song when I was 10, and it was about my mum. I still write music consistently now too!
- A fun fact, outside of producing this show, I’ve had a goal this year to read 30 books! At the time of writing this I’m at 22, so we’ll see how we go. Fingers crossed!
What do you love to most about performing at Melbourne Fringe?
Meeting other performers! There is such a shared energy with independent producers, and it’s so nice to meet like-minded individuals when doing Fringe festivals, to form new connections and to make new friends! This is my first time at Melbourne Fringe as a performer and producer, and I am very excited to meet new people and to see as many shows as I can!
What comes after the Fringe Festival for you?
I’m off back home to Perth, where I perform regularly in various formats, and will do that for the rest of October/November. I’m spending December in a theatre show over the Christmas period, and then hopefully more Age of Reason Fringe fun in 2027! I am also currently writing a musical with my friends Sarah Bowers and Koert Van Der Laan, two incredible Melbourne based artists, and I want to expand my world of shows more with new ventures in 2027! Watch this space!
A life-long vocalist and confessional storyteller, Jayda brings her trademark wit and theatricality to the stage, transforming familiar anthems into raw, personal reflections on love, loss, and late-night overthinking. Age of Reason is both a love letter to John Farnham and a snapshot of a generation learning to laugh at its own chaos. Whether you’re a devoted Farnham fan or hearing ‘You’re the Voice’ for the first time, Jayda’s performance promises a night of big vocals, bigger feelings, and a soft-hearted optimism that lingers long after the final chorus.
