First look at THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD at @sohoplace

Emmie Newitt 21 November, 2025, 10:38

A global best-seller for over six decades, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is the first work by John le Carré to be staged in the West End and currently plays at the @sohoplace.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold production images. Photos by Johan Persson

Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright and screenwriter David Eldridge (Festen) and directed by Jeremy Jerrin (People, Places and Things), this production will embark on a UK-wide tour after it runs in the West End until early next year.

Rory Keenan (Somewhere Boy) and Screen International Star of Tomorrow Agnes O’Casey (Lies We Tell) reprise their critically acclaimed roles as disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas and the idealistic, left-wing librarian Liz Gold.

They are joined by John Ramm (King Lear) and Gunnar Cauthery (Dear England) also return as George Smiley and Hans-Dieter Mundt. Completing the cast are original performers Philip Arditti (Breathtaking) as Fielder, Norma Atallah (Mamma Mia!) as Miss Crail/President of the Tribunal, Matt Betteridge (Ulster American) as Riemeck/Kiever, Ian Drysdale (Firebrand) as Control, Tom Kanji (Richard My Richard) as Ashe and David Rubin (Grantchester) as Pitt/Ford.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, is designed by Max Jones with lighting design by Azusa Ono, composition by Paul Englishby, sound design by Elizabeth Purnell, movement direction by Lucy Cullingford, fight direction by Bret Yount, and voice by Hazel Holder. Completing the creative team is Casting Director Jessica Ronane CDG.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold follows Alec Leamas, a British spy who is sent on one final mission to frame a high-ranking East German intelligence officer. As the operation unfolds, Leamas becomes entangled in a web of deception and betrayal that challenges his loyalty and ideals.

It plays at @sohoplace until 21 February 2026.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold Tickets