AN all-star cast is coming to Peebles next month, as a new stage show prepares to tread the boards.

New thriller Democracy, comes to the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles on Saturday, October 8.

High profile Scottish actors, including Taggart’s Colin McCredie and River City’s Sean Scanlan, will star alongside American movie actor Tom Hodgkins and Brookside’s Neil Caple in this tale of spying, politics and espionage.

The show was written by Michael Frayn in 2003, and won the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Best Play awards.

The production premiered in Stirling on September 2, before embarking on a tour to 18 other locations across Scotland including the Borders.

Based on a true story, Democracy is a spy thriller about the relationship between 1970’s West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, and his personal assistant Gunther Guillaume, whose exposure as an East German spy led to Brandt’s resignation. 

Shakespearean in scale but with the spin of modern politics, Democracy combines a John Le Carre thriller (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager) with the dynamism of The West Wing and House of Cards. 

The show is produced by Scotland’s leading touring theatre company Rapture Theatre, in association with Macrobert Arts Centre.

Leonie Bell, Director, Arts and Engagement at Creative Scotland, said: “We are delighted to support Rapture Theatre and their new work Democracy. The quality of cast and crew in this production is testament to the high regard for Rapture both in Scottish theatre and internationally. We are particularly pleased with the range of the Democracy tour, giving audiences across Scotland the opportunity to see this exciting production.”

Michael Emans, Artistic Director of Rapture Theatre, said: “The resurgence in the appreciation of John Le Carre’s work and the post Brexit climate of political upheaval, infighting and betrayal make this play highly prescient I cannot wait to start working with my production team and the cast of ten tremendous performers to create a truly remarkable show.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit: http://www.eastgatearts.com/calendar/democracy.