Reviews

The History Boys
(Cromwell Road Theatre, July 2009)

“This Boroondara Theatre Company production, under the razor-sharp direction of Bryce Ives, slowly rises and ultimately soars above Bennett’s over-arching tendency towards obfuscation. Ives has literally incised this voluminous play and first exposed, and then connected with, the rich vein of dramatic torque that really powers it: love – in many, if not all, of its guises … young, illicit, of-self, unrequited, flowering, erotic, destructive, but ultimately redemptive.

In the final tableau, when Bennett has capitulated to a typically English, stage-bound form of emotional manipulation, this Boroondara ensemble and its handsome production, stood rightfully proud, connected and truthful in the journey of great merit they had prepared and then shared with us … and the profound truth of the line “Art always wins in the end” was this exceptional company’s reward – and ours. This will be the hottest ticket in town – and for every good reason. Whatever you need to do to get a ticket, do it.”
Geoffrey Williams – Stage Whispers

“Director Bryce Ives and his team – including   Dialect Coach   Anna Boulic who deserves congratulations for getting the boys’ Yorkshire accents largely in line – have done an excellent job in delivering this significant play to the non-professional stage.   Ives has created a pacey interpretation, which is no mean feat considering the length of the script, and has drawn out some excellent performances and impressive achievements on all sides.”
Adam Rafferty – Theatre People

Call Girl the Musical – Back by Popular Demand Season
(Chapel off Chapel, April 2009)

“4 stars”
Chris Boyd, Herald Sun Newspaper

“This is a very cute, light-hearted show that wears its heart on its sleeve and boasts an excellent ensemble cast and intelligent direction by Bryce Ives.
In fact this is just the sort of small-scale, feel-good Aussie musical that would tour brilliantly – and I hope it does.”
David Crofts – Aussie Theatre.com

“Tracy Harvey and director Bryce Ives have created a fast paced show that moves us through a number of months in the life of a Call Centre, following innocent first time worker, Jean’s (Tracy Harvey), journey.

I love musicals and have to say I have been constantly disappointed with the new Australian musicals I have seen in the last few years but Call Girl had me boogying in my seat and singing lyrics like “Who wants to be a Phone-y” for days!”
Goldele Rayment – Same Same

“Under the expert direction of Bryce Ives, the show tells the story of Jean’s journey from do-gooder volunteer to deserted wife to finding employment in the shonky We Care Marketing telephone call-centre with a bunch of ‘phonies’.  The groovy song and dance numbers choreographed by Dave Harford and accompanied by Jack Howard’s orchestra are terrific and offer an entertaining balance to the perceptive inclusion of some sensitive social issues.

The show combines humour with heart and soul and is about ordinary, real people and situations we can readily identify with. There’s romance, a happy ending and an overall positive theatre experience for the audience.”
Cheryl Threadgold – The Melbourne Observer

Call Girl the Musical
(preview season, October 2008)

“Director Bryce Ives has whipped the cast into a frenzy, with all players giving enthusiastic, committed performances.”
Simon Parris – Theatre People

“I say to director Bryce Ives should he have the opportunity to read this: congratulations on what you have achieved here. I walked into Phoenix Theatre with trepidation, and walked out with a massive smile on my face.”
Trevor Gager – Arts Hub

“Director Bryce Ives, with limited resources, has fashioned a breezy revue-style piece of entertainment that has further potential.”
Jim Murphy – The Age

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
(June 2008 – Cromwell Road Theatre)

“Tightly directed by Bryce Ives, this production opens on a high with the upbeat, well-sung ‘You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown’ which sets the mood for the rest of the show.”
David Crofts – Aussie Theatre.com

“Talented director Bryce Ives has assembled a top cast for this polished, slick, show.”
Cheryl Threadgold – The Melbourne Observer

“Director, Bryce Ives has crafted a production that puts the audience in touch with their inner child. I won’t spoil the magic for those of you who are yet to see the production, however expect to be transported from the moment you enter the foyer!”
Emmalee Bell - Theatre People

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
(May 2007 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre)

“The lavishly told story takes us all away from our seats and into the land of “once upon a time”, a land recreated with magic, care and attention to detail by director Bryce Ives”
Will Ross – Theatre People

“The word most uttered at the conclusion of Saturday’s opening night of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: “Wow” Geelong Lyric Theatre has risen to the challenge and kicked an enormous goal for amateur theatre in staging this awesome production of the mega franchise’s fairytale. By all accounts passion and a dogged pursuit of perfection have accompanied the production team – led by award-winning director Bryce Ives – in the formidable task of staging this show.”
Rochelle Smith – The Geelong Advertiser

The Witches of Eastwick
(May 2006 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre)

“Geelong Lyric Theatre’s production of ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ was fantastic. It was one of those performances that made you want to jump up on stage with the cast and dance. Everyone was having such a great time and their enthusiasm leapt from the stage and kept the audience firmly under the shows spell.

The show was directed by Bryce Ives. This young man did a great job. He understood the comedy of the show and made sure that everyone onstage from the principals to the large chorus were given a distinct characterization. The flying sequence in particular was most impressive and was one of the highlights of the show. The audience applause said it all.”
Craig Wiltshire – Theatre People