Ralf Little, Gráinne Dromgoole, Tony Turner, Nicholas Murchie and Peter Losasso star in John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, which is now on tour and set to play Richmond Theatre in May 2026.
Little stars as disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas with Dromgoole as the idealistic, left-wing librarian Liz Gold. Turner plays George Smiley, with Murchie as Control and Losasso as Hans-Dieter Mundt.
The cast also includes Eddie Toll as Fielder, Melody Chikakane Brown as Miss Crail/President of the Tribunal, Jeff D’Sangalang as Ashe, Jonny Burman as Riemeck/Kiever, Jo Servi as Pitt/Ford and Clara Wessely and James Burman as part of the ensemble.
British intelligence officer Alec Leamas is weary, hardened, and ready to come in from the cold. But when Control, the Chief of the Circus, 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. And what of veteran spymaster George Smiley? What is his role in the operation?
Adapted for the stage by playwright and screenwriter David Eldridge (Festen, End) this is the first novel by le Carré to be brought to life on stage. Jeremy Herrin will direct alongside tour director Joe Lichtenstein.
Following its 2024 sold out premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold received its West End premiere @sohoplace in November 2025. The roles of Alec Leamas and Liz Gold were originated by Rory Keenan and Agnes O’Casey.
The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, is designed by Max Jones with lighting design by Azusa Ono, sound design by Elizabeth Purnell, composition by Paul Englishby, and movement direction by Lucy Cullingford. Casting by Matilda James. General Management is by Second Half Productions with Melting Pot as Executive Producer for the UK tour.
The Chichester Festival Theatre production of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came In From the Cold, is produced by The Ink Factory and Second Half Productions.
It plays Richmond Theatre from May 19-23, 2026. Tickets here.
Top image: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, UK Tour (c) Johan Persson (image supplied)