The Standard of Living is a play by James Graham, based on the life of the founding father of macroeconomics and Bloomsbury Group member John Maynard Keynes.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the world premiere production of The Standard of Living is expected to open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in September 2026. Background The Standard of Living was written by James Graham, with direction by Nicholas Hytner. The play is set between 1917 and 1946, and revolves around the life of economist and core member of the Bloomsbury Group John Maynard Keynes.
The original productions featured design by Bob Crowley, costumes by Jenny Beaven, lighting by Bruno Poet, projections by Luke Halls, compositions by Frank Moon and sound design by Carolyn Downing. Additional movement direction was provided by James Cousins, with Edward Watson acting as a ballet consultant.
Production The Standard of Living began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 21 September 2026, ahead of an official opening night on 29 September, for a limited run until 12 December 2026. Lead casting included Rory Kinnear as John Maynard Keynes, Natalia Osipova as ballerina and Keynes wife Lydia Lopokova and Thomas Flynn as Duncan Grant.
A typical London performance runs two hours and thirty minutes, including one interval.
Cast and characters +CharacterWorld Premiere2026John Maynard KeynesRory KinnearLydia LopokovaNatalia OsipovaDuncan GrantThomas FlynnFriedrich HayekLaurie KynastonLytton StracheyPip CarterDora CarringtonAgatha EnecioVirginia WoolfNaomi FrederickVanessa BellClaire PriceWilliam BeveridgeGeorge Taylor
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