The Spy Who Came in From The Cold Play

After captivating audiences in a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold makes its West End debut at Soho Place this winter for a strictly limited three-month run.

This tense Cold War thriller follows British intelligence officer Alec Leamas on a final mission of deception, betrayal and moral compromise. Adapted from John le Carré’s bestselling novel and acclaimed movie, this play is a must-see in London theatre.

Why you should see The Spy Who Came In From The Cold at Soho Place

John le Carré’s record-breaking 1963 novel The Spy Who Came In From The Cold has been reimagined for the stage for the very first time in this gripping new play at London’s Soho Place theatre.

British intelligence officer Alec Leamas is ready to retire – until Control, head of the Circus, draws him into one final mission. It’s dangerous and deeply intimate, set against the bleak backdrop of the Cold War. As Leamas is dispatched into enemy territory, his loyalties are tested, and his defences unravel when luminous librarian Liz blurs the line between duty and desire.

Who is in the cast?

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold cast is led by Rory Keenan as Alec Leamas (The Kitchen, Hamlet), alongside John Ramn (King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing) as George Smiley, and Agnes O’Casey (The Seagull) as Liz Gold.

The wider cast includes David Rubin (Grantchester), Gunnar Cauthery (Dear England), Ian Drysdale (Wicked Little Letters), Mat Betteridge (Slow Horses), Norma Atallah (Mamma Mia!), Phillip Arditti (House of Saddam) and Tom Kanji (Tyrant).

Screenwriter David Eldridge has adapted John le Carré’s hit 1963 novel with celebrated director Jeremy Herrin.

How do I book tickets for The Spy Who Came In From The Cold?

Book official tickets for The Spy Who Came In From The Cold at Soho Place with Visit London via the booking button on this page. When booking, you can select your preferred seats and view ticket prices until the show ends in February 2026.

Soho Place offers an immersive seating arrangement, with three levels that wrap around the stage. The best seats are located in the middle rows of the Stalls and the front row of the Balcony. More affordable seating can be found in the Second Balcony, with undisturbed views positioned furthest from the stage.

Please check with the venue for information about captioned, audio-described and British Sign Language (BSL) performances.

When is The Spy Who Came In From The Cold being shown at Soho Place?

The thrilling stage adaptation is showing at Soho Place from 17 November 2025 to 21 February 2026, for a limited three-month run.

Does The Spy Who Came In From The Cold have matinee performances?

Performances start at 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday. Matinees are shown 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday.

Production times vary over the Christmas period, with additional matinees scheduled over Twixmas (27 to 30 December).

Venue information for Soho Place

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is playing in the heart of Soho at London’s first new-build theatre Soho Place on Charing Cross Road (W1D 3BG), conveniently located near Covent Garden and Fitzrovia.

How to get there:

• Underground – The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road (Northern, Central and Elizabeth lines), which is located directly beneath the venue. Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines) are also a short walk away.
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 1, 8, 14, 29, 38, 55, 98, 176 and 188.
• Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycle and ride direct to Soho Place. Docking stations can be found nearby on Soho Square, Bucknall Street and Great Russell Street.

What is the running time of the show?

The running time of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is two hours and 10 minutes, with an interval.

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

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is recommended for anyone aged 12 and over. Please note the production contains strong and derogatory language as well as depictions of violence.

What other shows can I see in London?

Experience gripping drama in true Agatha Christie style with The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre – the world’s longest-running production. Alternatively, see the award-winning Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre and delve into a mythical love story in the underworld, set to music believed to have the power to change everything.

Check out our theatre guide for more new productions and long-running shows.