Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova is making her acting debut as Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova in James Graham’s play The Standard of Living. The production explores Lopokova’s unexpected marriage to economist John Maynard Keynes, and Osipova says the role has challenged her profoundly, leaving her crying and shaking during early rehearsals despite gradually gaining confidence.

Osipova, 40, is performing in English as part of a cast led by Rory Kinnear, with help from her husband when learning lines. She identifies with Lopokova’s physicality, comic timing and determination, while defending her against Bloomsbury’s dismissive insults; the play uses dance, including solos and stomping, to reflect her character. Keynes and Lopokova are portrayed as partners who transformed their identities and found genuine mutual devotion.