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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

Tue 7 – Sat 11 Jul 2026
Main Stage, Theatre Royal

EVENT INFORMATION

Evenings: 7.30pm
Matinees: Wed & Thu 2pm, Sat 2.30pm
Running Time: 2hrs 10mins (including interval)
Need to know: 12+, contains strong language, derogatory language prevalent to the period, and depictions of violence including gunshots.
Audio Described and Captioned perf with pre-show Touch Tour: Sat 11 Jul, 2.30pm

Under 30s tickets available

The spy novel that changed everything, now live on stage.

For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré — the undisputed master of the modern spy genre whose works include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager — is brought to life in a thrilling stage adaptation.

Starring Ralf Little (The Royle Family, Death in Paradise), 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.

British intelligence officer Alec Leamas is weary, hardened, and ready to come in from the cold. But when Control, the Chief of the Circus, 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. And what of veteran spymaster George Smiley? What is his role in the operation?

Following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre and direct from the West End, this gripping new play written by David Eldridge (Beginning, Middle) and directed by Jeremy Herrin (A Mirror, People, Places & Things) comes to Newcastle for 1 week only.

Book early, secure your seat today
★★★★

‘A tense, gripping adaptation with moody flair’

Financial Times

★★★★

‘A must see. John le Carré’s classic cold war novel is brought to the stage in thrilling fashion’

The Standard

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