The lead casting for the stage version of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold has been revealed ahead of the show’s run at The Lowry Theatre.
Death in Paradise star Ralf Little will play disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas in the Chichester Festival Theatre production, set to come to Salford from Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th July 2026.
Adapted for the stage by David Eldridge and directed by Jeremy Herrin, the production will begin its eagerly anticipated UK tour at the Leicester Curve in March before visiting The Lowry and 20 other venues through to August.
The show is based on le Carré’s global bestseller, which was named one of TIME Magazine’s All-Time 100 Novels.
Little explained that he had been captivated by the book growing up and expressed his delight at being cast as protagonist Alec Leamas.
He said: “It is a huge privilege to be stepping into the shoes of one of John le Carré’s great literary creations, Alec Leamas as we bring the murky world of his Cold War masterpiece to life on stage.
“I first read The Spy Who Came in From the Cold when I was 16 and it has stayed with me ever since.
“Reading David Eldridge’s brilliant script, I once again found myself drawn into the story’s unexpected twists and turns, its high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse between East and West, which David has captured so thrillingly in the play.
“Despite being written in the 60s it feels startlingly relevant to the times we are living in now. I can’t wait to share this story with audiences old and new as we take it to cities right across the UK.”
Further casting for the touring production will be announced shortly.
More information is available here.
