The Spy Who Came in From the Cold to transfer to the West End

John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in From the Cold will make its West End debut later this year in a new adaptation by David Eldridge.

The play, which premiered in 2024 at Chichester Festival Theatre, marks the first time any of le Carré’s novels has been adapted for the West End stage.

Set during the Cold War, the story follows Alec Leamas, who is drawn back into espionage for one final mission. As he navigates a world of deception, his connection with the idealistic Liz Gold begins to challenge the detachment that has defined his career.

The production, directed by Jeremy Herrin, will begin a 14-week run at @sohoplace from 17 November 2025, with opening night set for 26 November.

Casting and creatives for the West End season have also been revealed today.

Eldridge says: “It has been a great privilege adapting John le Carré’s youthful masterpiece for the theatre, and it gives me great pleasure that after a sellout run in Chichester, we’re able to share the play with audiences in London.

“Although set in the murky world of the cold war espionage thriller it’s a strikingly relevant story for our times. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold asks us how one can retain one’ s humanity and morality if one must operate with the same impunity and brutality as your enemy to defeat him?”

Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on 22 May, with priority booking available from 21 May.