The Standard of Living
The Standard of Living is a world-premiere play from Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Punch, Dear England, Labour of Love) arriving in the West End for a strictly limited 12-week season. Directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, One Man, Two Guvnors, Giant), the production stars Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear alongside Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova, making her West End debut.
The play follows the extraordinary life of economist and Bloomsbury Group figure John Maynard Keynes, whose world spans the corridors of Whitehall and the vibrant, unconventional circle of artists, writers and lovers around him. As financial markets collapse, old institutions falter and Britain edges toward turmoil, Keynes becomes consumed by a profound question: what is a good life? Filled with music, dance, wit and emotional depth, the production offers a powerful portrait of a man determined to imagine a better future.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 43 reviews
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A lesson of economics Great play about the life of one of England prominent Economist. Future will tell if the "not laisser faire" was the right thing to do.
Thibaud, 03 Nov 2026
Wonderful important theme Creative topic and innovative
Ruth, 31 Oct 2026
Superb production A must see play , I did not know how much this man achieved especially for thd Arts.
Jan, 30 Oct 2026
A budget week must see Osipova was amazing, so was Kinnear and I learnt a lot about the Bloomsbury set.
Pamela, 29 Oct 2026
A most absorbing drama A really enjoyable production. Excellent performances and highly imaginative direction made this a truly memorable evening.
Neville, 27 Oct 2026
One of the best Excellent play. Superb acting by the whole cast. Rory Kinnear absolutely brilliant.
A riveting play.
Elizabeth, 27 Oct 2026
Boring, impenetrable. NOT ONE SECOND If you don’t know about Keynes, this might seem boring if you look him up. Honestly this was a brilliant, captivating production of key moments of our history and the man that changed it. The acting, especially by Rory Kinnear, was outstanding and the ovation received at the end was hugely deserved.
Lesley-Jane, 24 Oct 2026
Brilliant play, great cast This is the best play I’ve seen for a very long time
The story was fascinating and so real.
Rory Kinear really portrayed a man of his time and he truly deserves an award.
A great example of what a visit to the theatre should be.My ticket was an outrageous price but I’m glad I went.
Lynden, 23 Oct 2026
Thought provoking Clever and instructive as well as beautiful. Just what Keynes might have aimed for
A bit hard to hear some parts the clipped cut glass English muffles at the end of a sentence
Alice, 22 Oct 2026
Well constructed and well delivered. This was a fascinationing view on the life of Keynes. Focusing more on his private life and how his social group may have influenced his thinking and actions. The timeline was portrayed through the excellent scenery and dialogue. It was entertaining, at times quite moving and often funny. The acting was of a high quality and the characters were believable throughout. After 50 plus years of neo classical economic thinking prevailing within UK government policy the time is ripe to consider alternative approaches. This play may be one factor to challenge people's thinking.
JONATHAN, 22 Oct 2026
Terrific play Imaginative approach to economics, wonderfully
conceptualised and written. Stellar acting. Stunning stage. Couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
Anna, 20 Oct 2026
informatve imaginative intelligent As well as being a brilliant play, well written and acted, this was the liveliest most imaginative production I have ever seen of any play
Eileen, 11 Oct 2026
absorbing throughout, sets marvellous Captures the story of Maynard Keynes brilliantly as to his economic thoughts and aspirations as well as his lifestyle
Raymond, 11 Oct 2026
Sadly, not a great play It tried to cram a great deal into a short time and the characters lacked depth
Simon, 11 Oct 2026
Interesting take on the life of an exceptional man Liked the play. Was up in the gods, so dialogue was not as audible as I’d have liked. I’m buying the script so I can read what I’ve missed!
Nina, 09 Oct 2026
Creative and colourful Excellent and historically accurate.
GAURANG P, 09 Oct 2026
Illuminating and affectionate A well written and acted exposition of the life of Keynes, his philosophy and passions and the influences from his private life which shaped him. A convincing and warm performance from Rory Kinnear bringing a famous figure to life and illustrating the significant impact Keynes had in 20th century Britain. Well done to James Graham for making it entertaining rather than an open university lecture.
Kathryn, 06 Oct 2026
Excellent show Really enjoyed this play. Rory Kinnear is excellent.
Danuta, 28 Sep 2026
Exceptional The script made a very dry subject interesting and amusing. The acting by the 2 leads was very good as was the dancing and using of the Firebird music.
Nigel, 26 Sep 2026
Fascinating and funny Great bit of history and very exciting to see Natalia Osipova make her acting debut. Although watching her as a ballerina she always managed to act out the ballet. Im kern to find a play about the Bloomsbury Set now
Sheenagh Mary, 23 Sep 2026
Outstanding visually arresting stage production The stage management was delightfully original, creative and engaging using photography, fine art and ballet to portray the context of Keynes' life and his influence on the world. Rory Kinnear's performance was no less than brilliant. As were many others. I am not one for standing ovations but this really deserved it.
Wendy, 22 Sep 2026
