‘Penny’s holding court’ and from the first sneering sentence we’re introduced to Vivian Parry’s newly retired Roath Park grandmother, Jayne. But don’t expect bitterness; there’s a twinkle in her eye that signals she’s no mere passenger on this journey. Her ability to navigate the adversities of middle-class Cardiff and brush off the passive aggression of local ‘Karens’ is akin to a superpower. With just a raised eyebrow, she’s ready to slice through anyone in her path. And when she does we’re right behind her.

Embarking on a poignant journey, Jayne stands at the crossroads of her life. Raised in Rumney, she once revealed in the high life Cyncoed offered. However, following a turbulent divorce, she now finds solace in the tranquil embrace of Lakeside. Her retirement magnifies her solitude, exacerbated by strained familial relationships. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, a newfound path beckons her. Will Jayne summon the courage to embrace this fresh chapter with open arms?

April Dalton’s effectively simplistic set gives the feeling of plush new carpets in pleasant detached houses, providing a blank canvas for Parry to lithely weave her stories. Three large words in a cheery font adorn the stage: “Life Begins Now!” And indeed, it does. Katy Morrison’s subtle lighting effortlessly guides the action, allowing seamless shifts in geography and tone.

Matt Hartley’s crisp script wastes no words, with moments of intricate comical detail reminiscent of Victoria Wood’s work. Eighty minutes fly by in the company of Jayne, brilliantly brought to life by Parry who populates the stage with various other characters we recognise before she utters a word. It’s a magnetic performance filled with nuance and an undercurrent of raw emotion that could burst forth at any moment.

This play sheds light on an invisible generation – women who’ve had their moment in the spotlight, now relegated to the subs bench, always the dependable emergency babysitter. But tonight, there’s nowhere to hide, and that’s the real strength of the piece; stark visibility. A person on stage, telling a story that captivates, a genuinely funny and moving performance you could watch over and over again.

The Wife of Cyncoed is holding court until the 23rd of March in the Sherman Theatre’s Studio.

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