‘Death in Paradise' star Ralf Little will play protagonist Alec Leamas in the stage adaptation of John le Carré’s classic Cold War thriller ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', following in the footsteps of Richard Burton who played the part on film, as it heads out on a 2026 UK tour.
‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' is adapted for the stage by David Eldridge. The production from The Ink Factory and Second Half Productions will visit venues across the UK, including the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from 24th–28th March.
Little, also known for comedy roles in ‘The Royle Family' and ‘Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps', takes on the role of the weary British intelligence officer at the centre of one of the most celebrated spy stories ever written.
Speaking about joining the production, Little described it as “a huge privilege” to play one of le Carré’s most iconic characters, revealing that he first read the novel when he was 16 and has carried the story with him ever since.
The play is directed by Jeremy Herrin, with Joe Lichtenstein serving as tour director. It marks the first time a novel by le Carré — the author behind classics such as ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', ‘The Perfect Spy' and ‘The Night Manager' — has been adapted for the stage.
The story follows Leamas as he prepares to leave the intelligence service, only to be drawn into one final mission by spymaster George Smiley. Sent deep into enemy territory, his loyalties and convictions are pushed to the limit — particularly when he meets Liz Gold, a compassionate librarian who challenges his hardened outlook.
First published in 1963, ‘The Spy Who Came in From the Cold' became a global bestseller and was later named one of TIME’s All-Time 100 Novels.
The stage production premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2024 before transferring to the West End at Soho Place in November 2025. The West End run concludes on 21st February 2026 ahead of the nationwide tour.
The creative team includes designer Max Jones, lighting designer Azusa Ono, sound designer Elizabeth Purnell, composer Paul Englishby and movement director Lucy Cullingford.
