Malachy O'Callaghan
I am an award-winning writer and performer, currently training on the MA Acting course at ArtsEd. As Artistic Director of Loose Thread Productions, former President of the Leeds Tealights, and co-founder of comedy group Wax, I have written and performed in multiple acclaimed fringe shows that have since toured nationally. My most recent play, Loose Threads, enjoyed a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, where it was praised for its distinctive comedic voice, unconventional characters, and warmth.
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In addition to writing and directing, I work professionally as an actor. I have toured nationally in several productions, performing to sold-out audiences at venues including the Cambridge Arts Theatre and Durham Gala Theatre. Most recently, I originated a role in Bin Girl, which played to a sold-out run as part of the National Youth Theatre’s New Writing Festival.
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I am also an award-winning comedian. With The Tealights and Wax, I won the Derek Award for Best Sketch Show at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe (It’s Your Own Time You’re Wasting), claimed the Fringe Sketch Off title in both 2023 and 2024, and reached the semi-finals of the London Leicester Square Sketch Off in 2025.
"Malachy O’Callaghan’s ingenious, sparkling new dramedy will have you laughing hysterically one minute and misty-eyed in the next" ★★★★★ - The Wee Review
“In the role of the celebrated actor Garry Essendine, Malachy O’Callaghan was exceptional. Essendine demands both theatrical flair and emotional nuance - qualities O’Callaghan displayed in abundance. That he managed to inhabit this complex character with such charisma, wit, and control is nothing short of remarkable” ★★★★★ - LippyMagazine
“Loose Threads is an example of good, comedic writing and well-paced theatre – exactly the kind of show to indulge in at the Fringe.” ★★★★ - Broadway Baby
“Both the writing and the execution demonstrate brilliantly off-the-wall concepts and terrific comic timing. There is not one hackneyed joke in sight.” ★★★★ - Broadway Baby
The hilarious character of Dance Teacher Pat played by Malachy O’Callaghan made the whole audience belly laugh with his exceptional comedic timing and delivery, I think I will cherish such a performance for life!” ★★★★★ - The Gryphon
“Loose Threads is more than just a rapid-fire showcase of comic skill; it's a meditation on what it means to stay still while the world hurtles past.” ★★★★ - TheNerdParty
“By far Davey (played by Malachy O’Callaghan) was the most successful in getting their jokes to land, it was a joy every time they had a line. O’Callaghan had us in stitches before he even finished his lines, and there were a few lines that couldn't even be heard over premature laughter” ★★★★★ - The Worsley Times
“Created by Malachy O’Callaghan, Loose Threads is a gloriously rich, laugh-out-loud sketch comedy featuring a cloakroom attendant at a London nightclub” - The Scotsman