
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold Tickets
This stylish, atmospheric adaptation of John le Carré’s Cold War novel transfers to London following a sell-out Chichester run.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold in London
Brand new play adaptation The Spy Who Came In From the Cold comes to Soho Place close to Soho Square and Oxford Street this autumn. This production marked the first time renowned novelist John le Carré’s work has been adapted for stage when it premiered at the Chichester Festival theatre in 2024, and now the “tense, gripping” (The Financial Times) adaptation transfers to London. This atmospheric Cold War thriller delighted audiences during its sell-out run in Chichester, so don’t be left out in the cold - book your tickets today.
What is the play The Spy Who Came In From the Cold about?
Alec Leamas has had a long career with the British Intelligence Agency - but now he’s tired, hardened by years of work and ready for retirement. But when Leamas’ boss George Smiley tempts him with one dangerous and deeply personal final mission, Leamas can’t refuse. Plunged deep into the heart of enemy territory, Leamas finds himself falling for bookish but defiant librarian Liz Gold. With his convictions compromised and his heart on the line, Leamas is at odds with himself. But what will win out - duty or romance?
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold was first published in 1963. The award-winning novel was a critical success and was an international best seller for over six decades. Named one of TIME Magazine’s All-Time 100 Novels, The Spy Who Came In From the Cold has been adapted several times for film and television, including an Academy Award-winning 1965 adaptation starring Richard Burton, but this brand new production is the first time Le Carré’s work has been performed on stage. Be sure to secure your tickets today!
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold London Cast
Main cast:
- Alec Leamas - Rory Keenan
- Liz Gold - Agnes O'Casey
- Pitt / Ford - David Rubin
- Hans-Dieter Mundt - Gunnar Cauthery
- Control - Ian Drysdale
- George Smiley - John Ramm
- Riemeck / Kiever - Mat Betteridge
- Miss Crail - Norma Atallah
- Fielder - Phillip Arditti
- Ashe - Tom Kanji
Who are the creative team of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold?
The Spy Who Came In from the Cold is adapted by David Eldridge from the novel by John le Carré. Eldridge is a British Playwright and screenwriter. His work includes Under the Blue Sky at the Royal Court, Beginning for the National Theatre and The Knot of the Heart at the Almeida.
Jeremy Herrin directs. Herrin is a highly acclaimed British director. The former artistic director of Headlong theatre company and a founding director of Second Half Productions, he is an Evening Standard, South Bank Sky Arts winner and a three-time Olivier Award winner. His credits include This House for the National Theatre, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two for the RSC, West End and on Broadway and Long Days Journey into Night at the Wyndham's Theatre, starring Brian Cox.
John le Carré (1931-2020) was an award-winning British author. Having worked for the Security Corps and MI5, many of Le Carré's works centre on espionage. Le Carré won many awards for his writing, including the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award and the British Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger. His notable works include Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Night Manager and The Constant Gardener.
Tickets for The Spy Who Came In From The Cold at Soho Place
This “classy stage adaptation has all the moodiness - and the complexity - of Le Carré” (The I Paper). Don’t miss what promises to be the theatrical event of the season, filled with romance, intrigue and deception - secure your tickets for The Spy Who Came In from the Cold at Soho Place today!
Please note this production contains strong language and derogatory language prevalent at the period; and depictions of violence including gunshots.
The Spy Who Came In London Reviews
User Reviews
Well adapted for the stage. The difficulty with a play in the round is the lack of scenery to add to the atmosphere, but the staging was done well with lighting and a few props. Good around performances.
Show Times
| Matinee | Evening | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | - | 7.30pm |
| Tuesday | - | 7.30pm |
| Wednesday | - | 7.30pm |
| Thursday | 2.30pm | 7.30pm |
| Friday | - | 7.30pm |
| Saturday | 2.30pm | 7.30pm |
| Sunday | - | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are The Spy Who Came In tickets?
The Spy Who Came In tickets are priced from £30 to £150. A great opportunity to see the first ever adaptation of John Le Carre's work on stage in an intimate venue.
Where is The Spy Who Came In playing in London?
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold is playing at the Soho Place, 4 Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG.
Are latecomers allowed at The Spy Who Came In From The Cold?
Latecomers may be admitted to the auditorium when a suitable break in the performance occurs, but admission cannot always be guaranteed.
As the auditorium is a relatively small and intimate space, you may be asked to sit in an alternative seat in order to minimise disruption to the performance.
What is the age recommendation for The Spy Who Came In?
The Spy Who Came In is best for age 12+.
How long is The Spy Who Came In From the Cold?
The running time for The Spy Who Came In at Soho Place is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Is there an interval during The Spy Who Came In From the Cold?
Yes, there is a 15 minute interval about halfway through The Spy Who Came In From the Cold.
Can I buy tickets for The Spy Who Came In From the Cold at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Soho Place box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for The Spy Who Came In are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.







What a great re-telling of this John Le Carre thriller - great use of the whole stage and even the first balcony where I sat. I hadn't realised until yesterday that this is the first time a Le Carre novel has been adapted for the stage - I think it' Read more