From Bloombsbury to Whitehall: new play reimagines life of John Maynard Keynes

James Graham's new play, "The Standard of Living," will open at the Haymarket Theatre in September, focusing on the life of economist John Maynard Keynes from 1917 to 1946. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the play explores Keynes's profound influence on British politics, finance, and the arts during this pivotal period. Keynes is widely recognized as the founding father of macroeconomics and significantly reshaped governmental approaches to economic policy. The play's narrative arc covers his contributions to economic theory and his impact on shaping government fiscal strategies. Graham's previous works include explorations of Rupert Murdoch's media empire and the England football team under Gareth Southgate, indicating a thematic interest in influential figures and societal shifts. "The Standard of Living" aims to illuminate Keynes's multifaceted legacy, extending beyond his economic theories to encompass his role in shaping cultural and political discourse in Britain.