THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD

THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD

Adapted by David Eldridge

Directed by Jeremy Herrin

LOWRY, SALFORD

WEDNESDAY 22^nd TO SATURDAY 25^th JULY 2026

ON SALE OCTOBER 10^th

The Ink Factory and Second Half Productions have today announced an extensive UK-wide tour of the Chichester Festival Theatre production of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in From the Cold which will come to Lowry, Salford from Wednesday 22^nd to Saturday 25^th July 2026.

Tickets for Lowry’s run go on sale on October 10^th.

Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright and screenwriter David Eldridge (Festen, End) this is the first novel by le Carré – the undisputed master of the modern spy genre, whose works include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager – to be brought to life on stage. Jeremy Herrin will direct following his recent acclaimed productions of Grace Pervades, People, Places and Things and Long Day’s Journey into Night. Casting for the touring production is to be announced.

Following its 2024 sold out premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre The Spy Who Came In From The Cold will receive its West End premiere @sohoplace with a 14-week run from 17 November 2025 – 21 February 2026 ahead of embarking on the production’s first UK tour from March 2026.

British intelligence officer Alec Leamas is weary, hardened, and ready to come in from the cold. But when spymaster George Smiley 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.

A global bestseller for over six decades and named one of TIME Magazine’s All-Time 100 Novels, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is a riveting journey through the fog-shrouded terrain of Cold War espionage, deception, and moral compromise. 

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. General Management is by Second Half Productions with Melting Pot as Executive Producer for the UK Tour.

David 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 the play’s west end run this autumn-winter season, we’re able to share the play with audiences across the UK on tour. 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?”

Jeremy Herrin, Director and co-founder of Second Half Productions says: “Rapt full houses in Chichester told us that John le Carré’s hit novel translates meaningfully to the stage and so I am delighted that we are bringing The Spy Who Came In From The Cold to audiences around the UK next year, following the production’s West End premiere at Soho Place this autumn. The high stakes of the Cold War, the moral bankruptcy of both East and West, and the power of love when Alec Leamas eventually finds something worth fighting for, David Eldridge keeps us on the edge of our seats through the twists and turns of this shattering and thrilling ride. I can’t wait for this next chapter.”

Simon Cornwell co-CEO, and co-founder of The Ink Factory says: “This first ever adaptation of John le Carré’s novels for the stage has been received with warmth and critical acclaim which is both deeply heartening, and incredibly well deserved given the wonderful work of David and Jeremy. The tension of the story is palpable in a completely new way through this telling of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, unravelling betrayal, humanity, and the nature of truth live in front of audiences – and it’s wonderful to know it will now reach even wider through this national tour.”

Justin Audibert Artistic Director and Kathy Bourne Executive Director of Chichester Festival Theatre say: ‘Following its sell-out run in 2024 at Chichester Festival Theatre, we’re thrilled that Jeremy Herrin’s outstanding production will be seen not only in London but across the UK. As one of the country’s leading regional theatres, we’re keenly aware of the vital role theatres play in their local communities; so for audiences in no less than 21 venues – from Brighton to Glasgow and Bromley to Cardiff – to have the opportunity to see David Eldridge’s gripping stage version of John le Carré’s masterpiece is hugely gratifying.’

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.

DAVID ELDRIDGE is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. His work is performed across the UK and internationally in translation.