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The Standard Of Living
Tickets From £28

Venue

Haymarket, Theatre Royal

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.  

Cast:

Rory Kinnear

Natalia Osipova

Creative:

Writer -

James Graham

Director -

Nicholas Hytner

Closing

12/12/2026

Running Time

Approx 2hrs 30 inc interval

Age & Content

12+

Please Note:

Natalia Osipova is not scheduled to appear at the following performances.
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

Frequently asked questions

The Standard Of Living is playing at Haymarket, Theatre Royal in London. Your ticket selection will show available performance dates and times, and you can book securely online via Official London Theatre. For the smoothest experience, pick a performance from the calendar and book early for popular dates.
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 […]
The running time for The Standard Of Living is Approx 2hrs 30 inc interval. Duration can occasionally vary slightly by performance, but this is the listed length for the production.
The Standard Of Living is recommended for ages 12+. If you’re bringing younger theatregoers, it’s worth considering themes and attention span alongside the age guidance. Some venues also have their own admission policies, so it can help to double-check requirements before you travel.
You can buy tickets for The Standard Of Living online through Official London Theatre. Choose your preferred performance in the calendar, select seats if available, and complete your purchase securely.
The Standard Of Living features a cast including Rory Kinnear, Natalia Osipova. Casting can vary by date, so if you’re booking specifically to see a particular performer, it’s worth checking any casting notes for your chosen performance.
The Standard Of Living is written by James Graham and this production is directed by Nicholas Hytner. The creative team shapes the tone, pacing and staging style, so if you’re choosing shows based on writers or directors you love, these credits can help you decide whether The Standard Of Living is the right pick.
There isn’t a strict dress code for London theatre, so wear whatever you’ll feel comfortable and confident in. Most people go for smart casual - think jeans or trousers with a nice top, a casual dress, or a shirt and trainers. If you’re heading to an evening show, on a date, or celebrating something, you might fancy dressing up a bit more, but it’s completely optional.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time helps keep things smooth and stress-free, giving you plenty of time to collect tickets, go through security, and get settled in your seat before the performance begins.
Book Tickets from £28