The Standard Of Living tickets
About The Standard Of Living
Don’t miss Rory Kinnear in The Standard of Living, Olivier Award winner James Graham’s world-premiere play about the economist John Maynard Keynes. Book The Standard of Living tickets on TodayTix.
The Standard of Living in London is opening at Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited 12-week run. The show explores the life and loves of Keynes, the daring economist and Bloomsbury Group member who helped to reshape Britain after the ruins of the First World War.
Rory Kinnear stars as John Maynard Keynes, with Royal Ballet Principal Natalia Osipova making her West End debut as Lydia Lopokova, the ballerina who married him.
This production was written by James Graham and directed by Nicholas Hytner, moving between the political sphere and the radical inner world of Keynes as the market crashes around them, and Keynes is faced with life-changing questions about what it means to lead a good life.
★★★★ - London Theatre ★★★★ - The Telegraph ★★★★ - WhatsOnStage
Natalia Osipova will not be appearing at these performances
- Friday 16th October 7.30pm
- Wednesday 21st October 7.00pm
- Thursday 22nd October 2.30pm & 7.30pm
- Monday 26th October 7.00pm
- Wednesday 4th November 7.00pm
- Thursday 5th November 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Run time
2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval
Age
Ages 12+.
Start date
21st September, 2026
End date
12th December, 2026
“Economics and art collide in thought-provoking style”
A Brilliant Mind Brought Vividly To Life
James Graham's exploration of John Maynard Keynes earns widespread praise for making economics unexpectedly entertaining and accessible. Audiences consistently highlight Rory Kinnear's superb central ...
What It Feels Like
- Intellectually stimulating
- Thought-provoking
- Beautifully staged
You’ll Love This If…
- You enjoy learning history through theatre
- You appreciate clever writing that makes complex ideas accessible
- You love strong ensemble performances with ballet interludes
Yet another fantastic play directed by Sir Nick Hytner. Excellent cast deliveing amazing play.
Interesting but too long for no reason. Should have been 90 minutes
It's about a very differenced life and a wonderful but unconventional mind that navigates between politics, personal growth and his deep urge to leave something behind for society and arts.
The Standard Of Living cast and creative team
By: James Graham
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Cast list: Rory Kinnear, Natalia Osipova
Venue
Directions
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.
More information about The Standard Of Living
The Standard of Living is a brand-new play from James Graham, the writer behind Dear England, Punch, This House, and Labour of Love. This time, Graham is turning his attention to one of Britain’s greatest economists.
This play follows Keynes through his time in politics, his economic ideas, and his dedication to art, love, and sexuality. He was married to Lydia Lopokova, a lover of Duncan Grant and a friend of Virginia Woolf. He was able to shift between the governing powers that be and maintain a rich social life with great artists and free thinkers.
This production reunites Graham with director Nicholas Hytner, after collaborations including The History Boys and This House. Olivier Award winner Bob Crowley provides set design for this world-premiere West End production.
This production is excellent, bringing a piece of history to life on the stage for audiences to experience firsthand.
What to watch for
- The Bloomsbury Group was a group of British thought-leaders, including Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. Their work influenced literature, economics, feminism, and sexuality.
- Keynes wrote about his attractions to both men and women, spotlighting him as bisexual.
- Keynes began his career as a clerk in the India Office in 1906.
- Lydia Lopokova was friends with Pablo Picasso, who drew her on many occasions.
Upcoming performances
Frequently asked questions
What is The Standard Of Living about?
Don’t miss The Standard of Living, Olivier Award-winning James Graham’s world premiere play, hitting the West End starring Rory Kinnear as John Maynard Keynes.
How do you get tickets for The Standard Of Living?
Check the top of this page for current availability on The Standard Of Living tickets on TodayTix.
Which theatre is The Standard Of Living at?
The Standard Of Living is at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket, which is located at 18 Suffolk St, London, SW1Y 4HT.
What is the running time of The Standard Of Living?
The Standard Of Living runs for 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval
What is the age recommendation for The Standard Of Living?
Ages 12+.
How much are tickets for The Standard Of Living?
The Standard Of Living tickets start at £98.
Who wrote The Standard of Living?
James Graham is the playwright.
Who directed The Standard of Living?
Nicholas Hytner stages the show.
Is The Standard of Living appropriate for kids?
This production is best suited for audiences 12 and over.
Is The Standard of Living good?
This production is incredibly exciting, bringing a fascinating story to the London stage in this major West End premiere. With James Graham’s excellent writing, John Maynard Keynes comes to life once more in this exciting show dedicated to his life’s work and loves.