The Standard of Living and Hotel Packages by London Theatre Breaks
Written by three-time Olivier Award winner James Graham, directed by the brilliant Nicholas Hytner and starring Rory Kinear, The Standard of Living has officially opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited 12-week season to 12 December 2026.
This captivating world premiere brings to life the story of rebel economist and Bloomsbury Group member John Maynard Keynes.
As markets crash and Britain teeters on the edge of chaos, the play confronts a deeply human question: What truly constitutes a good life? It is a funny, polished, and thought-provoking piece of theatre that makes economic history actually entertaining. Just like my old Economics teacher did! His brother was The Great Soprendo. But I digress.
Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear stars as Keynes, delivering a performance packed with charm and intellect as he navigates the corridors of power in Whitehall while balancing a radical circle of bohemian artists and lovers. Making a highly anticipated West End debut is Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova, who portrays Keynes’s wife, the celebrated Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova.
The production seamlessly blends politics, art, and movement against a dazzling visual backdrop designed by Bob Crowley and projection designer Luke Halls, reflecting the vibrant art of the era.
May I be so bold as to say that a London theatre break is the perfect way to experience The Standard of Living: maybe packaged with a hotel in Bloomsbury.
Here are some important dates and times for The Standard of Living
Strictly limited season to 12th December 2026.
Performances:
Monday 7pm
Tuesday 7pm
Wednesday 7pm
Thursday 2:30pm & 7:30pm*
Friday 7:30pm
Saturday 2:30pm & 7:30pm
The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance.
Natalia Osipova is not scheduled to appear at the following performances, the role of Lydia Lopokova will be played by Dannie Norman.
Friday 16th October – EVENING
Wednesday 21st October – EVENING
Thursday 22nd October – MATINEE AND EVENING
Monday 26th October – EVENING
Wednesday 4th November – EVENING
Thursday 5th November – MATINEE AND EVENING
