Matt Hartley 
The Wife of Cyncoed & Idyll: two plays (NHB Modern Plays) [EPUB ebook] 

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

Circa l’autore

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.