atticwife focuses on Astrid, a trad wife influencer who is currently living in the attic of her home, whilst her husband has free roam. After finishing a livestream, someone sneaks into the attic, turning out to be Astrid’s chemistry partner from school, Leah, who is determined to get her out before it’s too late.

The topic of trad wives and the lifestyle that goes with it has become a stronghold on social media in the past few years. Some believe that a woman’s duty is to satisfy her husband, some that men and women are equal and should be treated as such. Laura Clare Browne does a good job of balancing the argument on both sides whilst still letting the characters see each other’s point of view, even if not agreeing with them. There’s a strong thread of dark hour that flows throughout the piece, which aids in its storytelling, but is still able to dip into emotional moments that reveal much more of the characters’ intentions, especially Astrid’s. However, there were a couple of elements here and there that were touched upon but never felt like they were used to their fullest.

I don’t know if it was a choice or coincidence, but for most of the piece, Leah and Astrid were in opposing light colours (green and pink), giving the visual representation of their differences, but also being complimentary colours, almost like they are trying to save each other. This pays off thanks to the talents of Browne and Jen Clark who play the almost warring duo with psychotic gravitas.

atticwife explores the dangerous impact not just the trad wife movement had, but social media in general, never really knowing someone’s true intentions.

atticwife is at theSpace @ Niddry Street until 25th August 2026.

★ ★ ★ ★

Written by Kerry for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.

atticwife at theSpace @ Niddry Street Review

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