The Young Tycoons

Australians have long been fascinated by their country’s dynasties and the way these families’ personal interests often collide with their business pursuits. So it was little surprise that The Young Tycoons, about the efforts of two heirs to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, was a huge success in 2005, and sold out on return in 2006.

Kerry Packer died in 2005 so the inheritance of Australia’s richest man was certainly topical. It was also the year that Lachlan Murdoch quit News Corp. A comedy about the young tycoons in two powerful media families, which quite clearly resemble some real ones: what perfect timing!

Now, less so. This play is still very funny – there are some great one-liners – and the recognition of the characters is no less obvious. But without the drama, this production is distinctly lacking.

David Williamson’s Rupert, performed last year by the Melbourne Theatre Company, and recently on tour to Washington DC, was not perfect but hit its mark with tight and timely jokes, not to mention insight into this most unique of Australian families. And importantly, it had a dramatic core, particularly in the second act.

The Young Tycoons needs it too, at least now that it’s almost ten years old.

The writer CJ Johnson and director Michael Pigott have resisted updating the play’s setting. What a shame they didn’t give in to temptation, at least with a scene or two. And I say this despite a firm belief that plays are too often revised and contemporised in Australian theatre. The Young Tycoons could make an exception.

It’s a shame because the writing is witty and there’s not a moment of boredom over two hours, a rare thing in theatre.

The scenes are fast and short, with characters entering and exiting through two doors that open and slam shut repeatedly. The set, which is largely plywood, thus works against the pace of the play rather than with it.

The highlight of this production is the strong performances from a great ensemble cast. The three female actors (Paige Gardiner, Gabrielle Scawthorn and Briallen Clarke) stand out, quite an achievement in this man’s world of a play. And Laurence Coy and Edmund Lembke-Hogan, with their exquisite timing and humour, ensure the Vogler family is likeable and even endearing.

I didn’t see the 2005 production but from the photos, which are featured in the program this time around, it looks more appealing. This production may be a valiant attempt at recreating that magic but it falls short. It may relive some moments but the resonance isn’t there.

Peter Gotting

Images: Edmund Lembke-Hogan and Andrew Cutcliffe & Andrew Cutcliffe and Gabrielle Scawthorn. Photographer: Noni Carroll.