All cats are alike in the dark.

At the height of the Cold War, disillusioned British spy Alec Leamas is persuaded to stay out ‘in the cold’ for one last risky operation against the powerful leader of the East German Secret Service.

But Leamas has committed a cardinal error: he’s fallen in love. After a lifetime of deception and betrayal, can there be room for humanity in the ruthlessly manipulative world of international espionage?

The first ever John le Carré novel to be adapted for the stage, this award-winning 1963 thriller has been hailed as a modern masterpiece. Leading playwright David Eldridge creates this gripping theatrical version.

This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre in August 2024.