Plays 0 Now booking

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold

12+

About the show

John le Carré's Cold War masterpiece comes to the West End for the first time! Rory Keenan stars as Alec Leamas in this gripping Chichester Festival Theatre production at @sohoplace. Book The Spy Who Came In From The Cold tickets for the theatrical event of the season.

What is The Spy Who Came In From The Cold about?

For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré has been adapted for the stage – and it's his most iconic work. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold follows British intelligence officer Alec Leamas, weary, hardened and ready to come in from the cold. But when Control presents one final mission – dangerous, deceptive and deeply personal – Leamas agrees to stay in the game. Dispatched into enemy territory, he finds his convictions tested and his defences breached by Liz Gold, a quietly defiant librarian whose compassion threatens to thaw his frostbitten heart.

Adapted by David Eldridge (Beginning, Festen) and directed by Jeremy Herrin (People, Places and Things), this Chichester Festival Theatre production transfers to @sohoplace following a sold-out premiere. Book The Spy Who Came In From The Cold tickets for a theatrical experience of rare intensity!

Why should I book The Spy Who Came In From The Cold tickets?

A global bestseller for over six decades and named one of TIME Magazine's All-Time 100 Novels, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is le Carré at his most incisive – a story of betrayal not only between nations but within the human soul. Critics have hailed the production as "thoroughly gripping" (Time Out) with themes that "resonate powerfully today" (The Guardian).

Rory Keenan (Somewhere Boy, The Regime) delivers a critically acclaimed performance as Alec Leamas, with Agnes O'Casey (Black Doves) as Liz Gold and John Ramm (Wolf Hall) as the legendary George Smiley. Book early – this 14-week limited season runs until 21 February 2026, followed by a major UK tour!

Is The Spy Who Came In From The Cold similar to other London plays?

Fans of intelligent thrillers may also enjoy Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall or The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre.

Cancellation policy: theatre tickets cannot be cancelled, exchanged, or refunded once purchased.

Performance schedule

Mon-Sat 7:30pm

Wed & Sat 2:30pm

Cast & Creatives

Who is in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold cast?

Rory Keenan (Somewhere Boy, The Regime) stars as Alec Leamas, with Agnes O'Casey (Black Doves) as Liz Gold, John Ramm (Wolf Hall) as George Smiley, and Gunnar Cauthery (Dear England) as Hans-Dieter Mundt. The cast also includes Philip Arditti, Norma Atallah, Matt Betteridge, Ian Drysdale, Tom Kanji and David Rubin.

Who created The Spy Who Came In From The Cold?

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is adapted by David Eldridge from John le Carré's novel and directed by Jeremy Herrin. The creative team includes designer Max Jones, lighting designer Azusa Ono, composer Paul Englishby, sound designer Elizabeth Purnell, movement director Lucy Cullingford, fight director Bret Yount and casting by Jessica Ronane CDG.

Recognition

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold premiered to sold-out houses at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2024. The novel won the Edgar Award and has been in print for over 60 years, named one of TIME Magazine's All-Time 100 Novels. This marks the first time any of le Carré's works has been adapted for the stage.

Frequently asked questions

What age is The Spy Who Came In From The Cold suitable for?

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is recommended for ages 12 and above. The production contains strong and derogatory language prevalent in the period

including anti-Semitism

and depictions of violence including torture and gunshots.

How long is The Spy Who Came In From The Cold?

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold runs approximately 2 hours 10 minutes including one interval. Book tickets now – the West End run closes 21 February 2026!

How do I get to @sohoplace Theatre?

@sohoplace Theatre is located at the corner of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street. The nearest Underground station is Tottenham Court Road (Northern

Central and Elizabeth lines)

with direct access from the station.

Theatre Policies

Photography and video recording are not permitted during The Spy Who Came In From The Cold performances. Mobile phones must be switched off. Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break.

Accessibility at @sohoplace

@sohoplace offers wheelchair accessible seating

accessible toilets and hearing enhancement systems. BSL (23 January)

Captioned (4 February) and Audio Described (12 February) performances are scheduled. Contact the venue when booking tickets for specific requirements.

Facilities

The venue features bars and refreshment facilities. Contactless ticketing is used for all performances.

When does The Spy Who Came In From The Cold close?

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold runs at @sohoplace until 21 February 2026. A UK tour follows from March 2026.

Who plays Alec Leamas?

Rory Keenan stars as Alec Leamas

reprising his critically acclaimed Chichester performance.

Is George Smiley in the play?

Yes

John Ramm plays the legendary spymaster George Smiley.

How long is The Spy Who Came In From The Cold?

The show runs approximately 2 hours 10 minutes including one interval.