


Watch Rory Kinnear star as John Maynard Keynes in The Standard of Living, James Graham’s world-premiere play at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Book The Standard of Living tickets on London Theatre.
The Standard of Living is a play by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham, telling the story of John Maynard Keynes, the rebellious economist and Bloomsbury Group member whose ideas helped shape the modern world. As Britain faces severe financial instability and its old systems begin to crumble under pressure, Keynes manages to navigate the corridors of Whitehall while maintaining relationships with a radical circle of artists and lovers determined to live outside the box.
This play explores Keynes not only as an economist but as a husband, lover, friend, and visionary. He was married to the ballerina Lydia Lopokova, a lover of painter Duncan Grant, and was a friend of Virginia Woolf. As Britain faces an economic crisis, Keynes becomes consumed by the idea of a good life.
Rory Kinnear stars as John Maynard Keynes, with Royal Ballet Principal Natalia Osipova, who is making her West End debut, as Lydia Lopokova. Lopokova was a soloist with Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes and became a celebrated woman in the world of ballet. She married Keynes in 1925. Osipova’s casting brings an authentic stage presence to an actual dancer.
The Standard of Living in London is directed by multi-award-winner Nicholas Hytner, whose credits include The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, and Giant. This production also features set design by Olivier Award winner Bob Crowley.
This show is charming and historically important as it remembers a man who went against the grain and impacted British culture for years to come. The Standard of Living is heading to the West End to give audiences a show that will truly tug at their heartstrings.
Ages 12+.
21st September, 2026
12th December, 2026
By: James Graham
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Cast list: Rory Kinnear, Natalia Osipova
Location: West End
Railway station: Charing Cross
Bus numbers: (Haymarket) 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23, 38, 53, 88, 139, 159
Night bus numbers: (Haymarket) 6, 12, 23, 88, 139, 453, N8, N19, N38, N97, N3, N13, N15, N136, N159
Car park: Leicester Square, Whitcomb Street (2mins)
Directions from tube: (5mins) Go along Coventry Street and then take Haymarket on the right where the theatre will be approx. 200 metres along.
Book tickets to The Standard of Living, or sign up to receive the latest news and show alerts.
| Day of week | Matinee | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Friday | - | 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 2:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sunday | - | - |
Watch Rory Kinnear star as John Maynard Keynes in The Standard of Living, James Graham’s world-premiere play at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
The recommended age for The Standard Of Living is Ages 12+..
The Standard Of Living is playing at Theatre Royal Haymarket. The theatre is located at 18 Suffolk St, London, SW1Y 4HT.
Book tickets for The Standard Of Living on London Theatre.
Tickets for The Standard Of Living start at £32.
James Graham is the writer.
Nicholas Hytner is the director.
The Standard of Living is best recommended for audiences aged 12 and above.
The Standard of Living is filled with great storytelling, high-intensity political drama, and British history. This major West End premiere presents the life of John Maynard Keynes to audiences in a captivating night of theatre, bringing one of the 20th century’s most influential thought leaders to the stage.
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