Keynes's Life: Economics Meets Art and Love

The play "When Winston Went Mad" by James Graham offers a captivating portrayal of John Maynard Keynes, the influential 20th-century British economist, art lover, and bisexual figure. Rory Kinnear stars as Keynes, depicting his intellectual prowess and personal life, including relationships with figures like Virginia Woolf and Lytton Strachey.

Nicholas Hytner directs this polished production, which navigates through major historical events such as two world wars and the Wall Street Crash. It examines Keynes's economic theories, emphasizing how economics relates to choices about freedom, happiness, and culture rather than mere equations. The play showcases his advocacy for government intervention and state spending to revive post-war Britain.

Bob Crowley's set design, featuring moving screens of art and archival footage, enhances the narrative. The drama touches upon Keynes's marriage to ballerina Lydia Lopokova and his intellectual sparring with economist Friedrich Hayek. Despite its polished presentation, some critics note a lack of depth in exploring the messier aspects of his life and conflicts.

The play concludes with a poignant reflection on the dangers of economic downturns, linking them to populism and political extremism, thus underscoring its contemporary relevance. Kinnear’s performance captures Keynes's exterior, though his inner emotional life remains somewhat sealed off, presenting a bohemian spirit hidden within a conventional facade.