VINDICATION SWIM
“At the impassioned core of Vindication Swim lies Kirsten Callaghan’s lead portrayal of the tenacious Mercedes Gleitze. It’s a performance that captures the unwavering spirit of its subject while revealing shades of vulnerability that endear us to Gleitze’s humanity. Callaghan seamlessly transitions from projecting a naïve, tenacious optimism in the face of derision, to a resolute, almost obsessive single-mindedness once she’s tasted success. Her distinctive vocal cadences ably render Gleitze as both the underdog we rally behind, and the uncompromising juggernaut we admire.” Gazettely
“Starring Kirsten Callaghan in a breathtaking debut performance, Vindication Swim captures the essence of Mercedes Gleitze's struggle and determination. Callaghan's portrayal breathes life into the character, allowing the audience to not only witness but also feel the intensity of the challenges that Gleitze faced.” That’s Pop Culture
“Not only is this actress Kirsten Callaghan’s first role it is her first lead role and she bears a striking resemblance to the real life swimmer and she is very good as Gleitze. In turn demure, retiring yet determined and should ensure far more roles for her in the future.” Any Good Films
“The water scenes were certainly my favourite parts of this movie, which I found so very moving at times. But there’s also quite a lot more to the film than that; there’s also a sense of danger, of darkness, and of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s an extremely emotional, evocative ending, and I found myself welling up watching her reactions. This is, after all, an award-winning debut performance from Kirsten Callaghan, and it’s easy to see why.” Geek Native
“The film's emotional and evocative conclusion left me deeply moved, particularly due to Kirsten Callaghan's award-winning debut performance, which masterfully captures Mercedes' journey, motivations, doubts and vulnerabilities.” A A’rt Tv
“Stellar performances from the cast and a compelling narrative arc is poised to captivate and inspire viewers from start to finish.” Women Talking
“Impressively, Callaghan, making her film debut, took on all the extremely demanding sea swimming needed for the story herself, with no body doubles or green screens used.” ★★★★ Royal Airforce News
“Vindication Swim is an important story about overcoming society.” ★★★★ Movies 101
"A truly beautiful story told with realism makes this absolutely worth a watch.” ★★★★ How many Films In A Year
VERGE OF STRIFE
“Verge of Strife captures the innocence of youth and pre-war naivety through the story of renowned war poet, Rupert Brooke...Far from being simplistic, the set and the costumes already place it a step ahead of many shows this Fringe, but it is the entire cast which makes the piece so spectacular." ★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
"In particular, Kirsten Callaghan as Noel Olivier, one of Brooke’s earlier love interests, plays her part with an inner strength and clarity of expression that underlines the contrast between the excessively lyrical Brooke and the more grounded acquaintances surrounding him." ★★★★ Broadway Baby
“Captivating…Verge of Strife is an elegantly designed production with a strong cast.” ★★★★ EdFringe Review
“Stimulating” ★★★★ Scotsgay
PUSSY
“It's [Kirsten] Callaghan's Lula who really steals the show, as most loveable idiots seem to do. She gets a lot of writer Thomas Clancy's best lines and with Callaghan's spaced-out delivery, she makes even the smallest gag, such as a running joke about her not wearing a watch, into something special. Her meta interactions with the Levis' straight-talking cat are another highlight, with good interplay between the two.” Views From The Gods
"Emma James, ‘Sophie’, and Kirsten Callaghan, ‘Lula’, provide some of the funniest lines and both have such gentle comedic timing. At times throughout the play it could be as simple as a look from either actress that would encourage a huge response from the audience. The warm and ‘devil-may-care’ nature of ‘Sophie’ and ‘Lula’ is wonderfully countered by the bolshy and direct ‘Lucy’, Emma Tansley, and ‘Laurie’, Bethan Thomas.'
★★★★ The New Current