John le Carré's classic spy novel, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, adapted for the stage, has been issued a trigger warning for gunshots and derogatory language. Originally published in 1963 and named in TIME Magazine's All-Time Greatest 100 Novels, the production is currently touring theatres across the UK until August.
Trigger Warning Details
The play's booking website states: 'This production contains strong and derogatory language prevalent in the period, including antisemitism, and depictions of violence including torture and gunshots.' The warning has been added for audiences attending performances.
Plot Summary
The story follows Alec Leamas, a weary British intelligence officer in the 1960s, who has spent years operating in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. He is assigned one final mission: to travel into Communist Germany and betray his country. Starring Ralf Little, the production is described as a 'riveting journey through the fog-shrouded terrain of Cold War espionage, deception, and moral compromise'.
Context of Trigger Warnings in Theatre
This comes after a West End production of Romeo and Juliet also received a trigger warning for 'revenge' and 'grief'. Running at the Harold Pinter Theatre until June, the online box office warns that the show deals with themes of grief and revenge and includes descriptions of violence.
In August 2021, London's Globe Theatre faced criticism for issuing 'ridiculous' trigger warnings for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, including alerts about suicide, drug use, and fake blood. The theatre even provided a Samaritans helpline number for emotional support. At the time, former Tory MP Pauline Latham called it 'absolutely ridiculous', while former minister Ann Widdecombe remarked, 'You don't go to see Romeo and Juliet if you want a light-hearted evening.' Actor Christopher Biggins added, 'It's a joke. What they are trying to do is insulting to the mentality of theatre-goers.'
The Globe defended its decision, stating that the production 'brings the play into today's world' and focuses on mental health, providing information to those who may need it.
