07-09-26
Rehearsal images have been released for the world premiere of James Graham's new play The Standard of Living, ahead of its West End opening later this month.
Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear stars as economist John Maynard Keynes, with Royal Ballet Principal Natalia Osipova making her West End debut as his wife, celebrated ballerina Lydia Lopokova.
Written by three-time Olivier Award winner James Graham, whose work includes Dear England, the play explores the life and ideas of Keynes and his relationships with members of the influential Bloomsbury Group. Moving between the corridors of Whitehall and a circle of artists, writers and lovers determined to challenge convention, the story examines Keynes' attempts to imagine a different economic future as established systems begin to crumble.
Joining Kinnear and Osipova is Thomas Flynn as Keynes' friend and lover Duncan Grant, with Laurie Kynaston playing his great economic rival Friedrich Hayek. The company also features Alex Blake as Clive Bell, Pip Carter as Lytton Strachey and Agatha Enecio, making her professional stage debut as artist Dora Carrington. Naomi Frederick plays Virginia Woolf, Claire Price is Vanessa Bell and George Taylor takes on the role of economist William Beveridge.
Nicholas Hytner directs the world premiere, reuniting with producers Brian and Dayna Lee following Giant, which transferred from the West End to Broadway.
The creative team includes set designer Bob Crowley and costume designer Jenny Beavan, with movement direction by James Cousins. Frank Moon provides the music, while former Royal Ballet Principal Edward Watson serves as ballet consultant. Bruno Poet is lighting designer, Carolyn Downing provides sound design and Luke Halls is projection designer. Inspired by Keynes' belief in the importance of art and access to culture, the producers have also released 2,000 specially priced "Keynes Tickets". These offer £25 seats in the stalls and dress circle to theatregoers aged 16 to 30. They sit alongside thousands of additional £25 tickets being made available throughout the run.
The Standard of Living plays the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 21 September to 12 December 2026. Get more info from the official site HERE