John le Carré’s ‘The Spy Who Came in From the Cold’ U.K. Tour Sets ‘Death in Paradise’ Star Ralf Little as Lead

Ralf Little is set to take on the role of disillusioned British intelligence officer Alec Leamas in the U.K. tour of John le Carré‘s “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.”

The production, a collaboration between The Ink Factory and Second Half Productions, will launch March 12 at Curve Leicester and continue through August, visiting 21 venues across the country. Additional casting will be revealed at a later date.

“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,” said Little, best known for his roles in BBC’s “Death in Paradise” and “The Royle Family.” “I first read ‘The Spy Who Came in From the Cold’ when I was 16 and it has stayed with me ever since.”

The stage adaptation marks the first time a le Carré novel has been brought to the theater. Playwright David Eldridge, whose credits include “Festen” and “End,” penned the script, with Jeremy Herrin directing alongside tour director Joe Lichtenstein.

The production premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2024 before transferring to London’s West End at @sohoplace in November 2025, where it is currently playing its final weeks ahead of a Feb. 21 closing. Rory Keenan originated the role of Leamas in both productions.

Published over 60 years ago, “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” follows veteran spy Leamas as he undertakes one final dangerous mission for spymaster George Smiley. The story explores themes of deception and moral compromise against the backdrop of Cold War espionage.

Little, who received an Olivier Award nomination for his performance in “Presence” at the Royal Court, departed “Death in Paradise” in 2024 after the series achieved its highest audience ratings during his tenure as lead detective. His other theater credits include “God of Carnage” at Theatre Royal Bath and “Ugly Lies the Bone” at the National Theatre.

The creative team includes Max Jones (set design), Azusa Ono (lighting), Elizabeth Purnell (sound), Paul Englishby (composition) and Lucy Cullingford (movement direction). Second Half Productions serves as general manager, with Melting Pot as executive producer for the tour.