Play · West End
The Standard Of Living
A brand new world-premiere play from the Olivier Award-winning playwright, James Graham, tells the astonishing story of rebel economist and member of the Bloomsbury Group, John Maynard Keynes. 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.
Buying advice
How to book
The Standard Of Living is at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, with seats from £25 to £165. Preview performances are cheaper, and peak and off-peak prices are close, so choose the date that suits you.
Ways to pay less
Ways to pay less: There is no need to book far ahead, as the show sells steadily rather than out. Peak and off-peak prices are close, so choose the date that suits you rather than the one that saves a few pounds. The best value is the £25 Under 30s ticket, available for every performance if you sign up via the show website. Otherwise, the Upper Circle offers good value, though expect a climb and less legroom.
Deals1
Best deals across LondonEvery current deal we track for The Standard Of Living, checked daily. Last checked 22 October.
- YoungUntil 12 Dec
Under 30s tickets available for £25 per performance.Limited £25 tickets are available for every performance for customers under 30. Sign up via the show website to receive information about this exclusive ticket release.
Pricing
+0% peak surcharge (mid-range seats)Peak
Weekends & holidays| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £165 | £140 |
| Mid-range | £95 | £60 |
| Budget | £40 | £25 |
Off-peak
Mid-week| Area | Top | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | £165 | £140 |
| Mid-range | £95 | £60 |
| Budget | £40 | £25 |
Prices are taken from the show's official website and are a guide only — they change without notice.
Where to sit
The Royal Circle is often the best level at the Haymarket, with superb views; mind the legroom and the overhang at the back. The mid-Stalls are prime, but the front rows strain your neck and the back sits under the overhang. The Upper Circle is good value after a climb, and the Gallery is the budget option, distant and steep.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket's own seating guide, level by level, is below.
Critics
What the critics said
Reviews of this production at Theatre Royal Haymarket · Opened 29 September 2026
3.4 out of 5, the average of 5 star-rated reviews, listed below
Evening Standard
Nick Curtis · Read the review at Evening Standard“James Graham’s joyfully Stoppardian play about Keynes”
The Independent
Alice Saville · Read the review at The Independent“We owe John Maynard Keynes a debt of gratitude, but this stuffy play doesn’t pay it off”
WhatsOnStage
Sarah Crompton · Read the review at WhatsOnStage“The Standard of Living with Rory Kinnear and Natalia Osipova in the West End – review”
London Theatre
Marianka Swain · Read the review at London Theatre“economics, bohemians, and a passionate case for the value of art”
The Reviews Hub
Maryam Philpott · Read the review at The Reviews Hub
Also reviewed by The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, The Stage and Time Out
Quotes are brief extracts, each with a link to the full review. Star ratings are the outlets’ own; we never work one out from a review’s words. If you publish one of these reviews and would like it removed, email us and we will take it down promptly.
Thinking of going with a group?
No group rate is listed for this show yet. Register your interest, and if enough people are in, we’ll ask the theatre for one.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circusabout 5 min walk
- Hotel Café Royalabout 5 min walk
- Ham Yard Hotelabout 5 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
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