The Standard Of Living tickets
About The Standard Of Living
Can you put a price on happiness, beauty and love?
A brand new world-premiere play from the Olivier Award-winning playwright, James Graham (Punch, Dear England, Labour of Love) explodes into the West End for a strictly limited 12-week run.
Directed by multi award-winner Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, Giant) and starring Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear (Skyfall, The Diplomat) and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova in her West End debut, this blazing new play tells the astonishing story of rebel economist and member of the Bloomsbury Group, John Maynard Keynes.
Husband to ballerina Lydia Lopokova. Lover to Duncan Grant. Friend to Virginia Woolf. Keynes moves between the corridors of power in Whitehall and the intoxicating freedom of a radical circle of artists, writers and lovers - all determined to live differently.
But as markets crash, old systems crumble and Britain teeters on the edge of chaos, one question begins to consume him:
What is a good life?
Alive with music, dance, desire and debate, The Standard of Living is a thrilling, funny and deeply moving portrait of a man who dared to imagine something better.
Opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 21 September for a strictly limited 12-week season.
★★★★ - 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
Categories
Plays, West End
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
Amazing story and terrific acting.
A very interesting story well told. And the set design/visuals were very good for setting the context. Unfortunately I couldn’t see half of the stage - where most of the dialogue took place. The ticket was described as having an obstructed view but this was quite extreme.
A thought provoking play, witty and charming and often humorous.
The Standard Of Living cast and creative team
By: James Graham
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Cast list: Rory Kinnear, Natalia Osipova
Venue
Theatre Royal Haymarket
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.
Show schedule
| Day of week | Matinee | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | - | 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 2:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Friday | - | 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 2:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Sunday | - | - |
Frequently asked questions
What is The Standard Of Living about?
Directed by multi award-winner Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, Giant) and starring Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear (Skyfall, The Diplomat) and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova in her West End debut, this blazing new play tells the astonishing story of rebel economist and member of the Bloomsbury Group, John Maynard Keynes.
What is the length of The Standard Of Living?
The Standard Of Living is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval
Where is The Standard Of Living?
Theatre Royal Haymarket.
What's the price for The Standard Of Living tickets?
The price for tickets to The Standard Of Living starts at £125.
How old do children need to be to see The Standard Of Living?
Ages 12+.
How do you buy tickets for The Standard Of Living?
Buy tickets today on Box Office. Check availability, pricing and more.
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