The Wife of Cyncoed & Idyll: two plays (NHB Modern Plays)

In The Wife of Cyncoed, Jayne is newly retired and disappointed with her life. She's in danger of becoming her daughter's babysitting service, and is desperate to make a change. When she meets a handsome stranger in the park - and an opportunity to do something for herself arises - can Jayne allow herself a second chance at happiness? This charming and open-hearted play premiered at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, in 2024, and provides gloriously entertaining opportunities for a mature solo performer. In Idyll, tempers are fraying in the scorching heat as a rural village is overwhelmed by noise, cars and day trippers... Scratch the surface and you'll find danger bubbling away. This captivating short play was first presented as an open-air production by Pentabus Theatre Company in 2021. '[Idyll is] a compelling rural portrait put across with vigour' - Guardian

Matt Hartley grew up in the Peak District and studied drama at the University of Hull. His first play Sixty Five Miles won a Bruntwood Award in the inaugural Bruntwood Competition and was produced by Paines Plough/Hull Truck in 2012. Other work for theatre includes: The Wife of Cyncoed (Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, 2024); Idyll (Pentabus Theatre tour, 2021); Eyam (Shakespeare's Globe, 2018); Here I Belong (Pentabus tour, 2016); Deposit (Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, 2015); Microcosm (Soho Theatre, 2014); Horizon (National Theatre Connections, 2014); The Bee (Edinburgh Festival, 2008); Punch (Hampstead/Heat and Light Company); and Epic, Trolls and Life for Beginners (all at Theatre503, London). He has written for TV's Hollyoaks and his radio plays include The Pursuit and Final Call.