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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

The critically acclaimed production of John le Carré's The Spy Who Came In From The Cold will embark on a major UK tour coming to the Festival Theatre Edinburgh in April.

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

About The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

21st Apr 2026 to 25th Apr 2026
7.30pm / Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
13/29 Nicolson Street , Edinburgh South EH8 9FT
See event website for details
Visit the event website here

For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré — the undisputed master of the modern spy genre — is brought to life in a thrilling stage adaptation.

The spy novel that changed everything
Based on the worldwide bestseller and named in TIME Magazine’s All-Time Greatest 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.  

Disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas is ready to come in from the cold — until veteran agent George Smiley persuades him to take one final mission against the East German Secret Service. Deep undercover, he finds his convictions tested and his defences breached by Liz Gold, a quietly defiant librarian whose compassion threatens to thaw his frostbitten heart.

Following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre and a hit West End premiere, this gripping new play written by David Eldridge (Beginning, Middle) and directed by Jeremy Herrin (A Mirror, People, Places & Things) comes to Edinburgh for one week only. 

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