A masterful new stage production of John Le Carré's seminal spy novel, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, is currently gripping audiences at London's Soho Place theatre. Having transferred from an acclaimed run in Chichester, this marks the first time the author's work has been adapted for the stage, leaving many to wonder why it took so long.
A Cold War Masterpiece Brought to Life
The play, adapted by David Eldridge, faithfully follows the story of Alec Leamas, a weary and grizzled British spy. After losing a key agent in Berlin, Leamas is ready to 'come in from the cold'—a term for a spy retiring from field work. However, his superiors in London, including the scholarly George Smiley, convince him to undertake one final mission. His objective is to exact revenge on his East German nemesis, Hans-Dieter Mundt. As with all great spy narratives, the plot is a labyrinth of deception where nothing is as it seems.
The production is a masterclass in atmosphere, featuring everything an espionage aficionado could desire: elegant great coats, a haunting lonesome trumpet soundtrack, and a series of drink-spilling plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The narrative delves deep into the murky morality of the Cold War, where ideological battles between East and West are stripped away to reveal a brutal world where, as George Smiley states, "The high moral law of espionage is results."
Stellar Performances and Breakneck Pace
At the heart of the production is a fantastic performance from Rory Keenan as Alec Leamas. He expertly portrays the spy's descent from a jaded professional in the first act to a man on the verge of manic desperation in the second, all while maintaining a facade of swagger. He is ably supported by John Ramm as the calculating George Smiley, who often appears as a voice in Leamas's mind, and Agnes O'Cassey as Liz Gold, the communist librarian who becomes Leamas's romantic interest.
Despite a complex plot, the dialogue is sharp and the story never becomes tangled. One reviewer noted understanding each twist just in time for the next one to be revealed. The only minor critiques are that the relationship between Leamas and Gold feels slightly rushed at times, and the final flurry of revelations occurs at a truly breakneck speed. However, these are small points in what is otherwise a thoroughly gripping production from start to finish.
Final Verdict and Booking Details
By the final curtain, audiences are left profoundly impressed by the sheer genius and cold-heartedness of the spy game. The play is a compelling exploration of loyalty and betrayal that remains as relevant today as when the novel was first published. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is playing at the Soho Place theatre until 21 February 2026. Whether you are a lifelong Le Carré fan or a complete newcomer to his work, this is a theatrical event not to be missed.
