The MIFTA Award-winning domestic drama about a mother’s decision to leave behind her family and pursue her dreams of becoming a poet, based on true events.

Bad Traffic is a one-act contemporary tragedy which spotlights the sacrifices of the traditional housewife, and exposes the influence of art over the human experience. Set over the course of a Spring family reunion, the play follows Martha, a 50 year old housewife and mother of three, as she rediscovers her once burning passion for writing poetry. Inspired by the deeply personal true story of Stainer’s grandmother, the play acts as a reminder that artistic pursuit can never be completely rejected.

A year ago, almost exactly to the day, Martha left the family home in search of a different life. She left behind her husband Jonathan and her three grown-up children, Barney, Jake and Evie. On the day of Barney’s wedding, her children reflect on the past year, questioning what led to their mother’s monumental decision.

Travelling back a year, the family are reuniting for the first time in months. All under one roof, they reminisce on their younger lives. However, with the discovery of a decades-old box in the attic, Martha re-discovers her past self: an unmarried woman, mid-twenties, with big dreams of becoming a published poet, living out her days on the Orkney islands. As she rekindles this ambition, she begins to re-evaluate her future. But at what cost?

Featuring live music by Orcadian composer Erland Cooper and the original work of Pauline Stainer, Bad Traffic is a synthesis of intimate framed naturalism and stylised dance, exploring the internal conflict one faces between reality and idealism.

Nominated for 9 Manchester-In-Fringe Theatre Awards (MIFTAs), including Best New Writing and Best Direction.

Winner of Best Movement and Best Supporting Actor