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James Graham’s new play The Standard of Living to have West End premiere this autumn
The Punch and Dear England playwright set to debut new drama inspired by economist John Maynard Keynes
James Graham is heading back to the West End with The Standard of Living, a world premiere drama about economist John Maynard Keynes. The show is set to open at Theatre Royal Haymarket this autumn, running from 21 September to 12 December.
Olivier Award winner Rory Kinnear will play Keynes, opposite Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova making her West End acting debut as Lydia Lopokova, the celebrated Russian dancer who became Keynes’ wife. Nicholas Hytner (Giant) will direct, with design from Bob Crowley.
The Standard of Living follows Keynes through post-war Britain as he balances government and public life. Widely regarded as the founder of modern economics, Keynes helped shape the institutions that emerged after the Second World War and played a key role in the creation of the Arts Council. The show follows him through the corridors of power in Whitehall and explores his radical circle of artists and lovers, as Keynes is slowly consumed by one big question: what is a good life?
Graham’s previous stage successes include breakthrough political drama This House, six-time Tony-nominated Robert Murdoch biopic Ink, and the Olivier-nominated Best of Enemies. Gareth Southgate piece Dear England won the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2024, an award Graham came back to claim with his adaptation of Jacob Dunne’s memoir, Punch, in 2026.
Kinnear’s stage work includes Hamlet, with screen credits ranging from Skyfall to The Diplomat, whilst Osipova is one of the most celebrated dancers of her generation.
Graham said: “The extraordinary life of one of the 20th century’s most impactful and yet – today – rarely talked about figures crosses so many of my favourite worlds to depict: politics, economics, the arts, diplomacy. I’m in playwrighting heaven. Keynes was a humble, radical world-builder, and I’m grateful to bring that world to theatrical life with Nicholas Hytner, a director I owe so much to, and to be supported into bringing a new play straight into the West End, when newness is so needed.”
Kinnear said: “It is a huge privilege to delve into the fascinating life and legacy of John Maynard Keynes: the pioneering thinker and passionate advocate for life, love and the arts whose hunger for a better life, changed the world. Armed with James’s incredible script and reunited with the ever brilliant Nicholas Hytner, I can’t wait to work with this extraordinary company to bring Keynes’ story to life in the West End.”
Osipova said: “It’s a fantastic honour to be making my West End debut in The Standard of Living with such an incredible line-up of creatives and performers. Lydia Lopokova was a pivotal figure in ballet history, bridging Diaghilev’s legendary Ballets Russes and the development of British ballet last century, and I can’t wait to explore her character.”
