A funny and unflinchingly honest drama about addiction, masculinity and faith.
Fantastic production images have been released from the West End transfer of David Ireland’s acclaimed new play The Fifth Step, starring Jack Lowden (Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, Benediction) and and Emmy and BAFTA-winning Martin Freeman (Sherlock, The Hobbit, The Responder) now playing at @sohoplace in the West End until 26 July.
Tickets remain available throughout the run, with £25 day seats available in-person at the box office at @sohoplace from 11am on the day of the performance, sold on a first come first served basis and limited to a pair per customer.
The Fifth Step is David Ireland’s new play, a dark comedy about the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous. An honest drama that achieved critical acclaim in its original sold-out production last summer in Edinburgh. Directed by rising star Finn den Hertog, associate artist at National Theatre Scotland, it is a rare chance to see two of the UK’s most exciting acting talents in the intimacy of the in-the-round space @sohoplace. Jack Lowden reprises his performance as Luka and Martin Freeman plays the role of James in this funny and unflinchingly honest drama about addiction, masculinity and faith.
Step 1: honesty.
Step 2: faith.
Step 3: surrender.
Step 4: self-examination.
After many years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James agrees to become the sponsor of newcomer Luka.
On the journey to sobriety, the pair bond over black coffee, trade stories, and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences.
On the cusp of Step 5, their conversations must turn to confessionals, with progress hinging on Luka revealing secrets that could lead back to alcohol. But it’s clear that James also has dangerous truths in his past, truths that threaten the trust on which both their recoveries depend.
The Fifth Step is a provocative, entertaining and subversively funny new play, marking David Ireland’s playwriting return to London after the hit production of his play Ulster American at Riverside Studios in 2023. Telling a bold story with Ireland’s inimitable mixture of caustic wit and genuine empathy and starring two of the UK’s brightest acting talents, it is an unmissable addition to the London stage this May.
Listings
The Fifth Step: 12 May - 26 July
@sohoplace, 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, London, W1D 3BG
Tickets: BOOK NOW
Further Information: The Fifth Step at @sohoplace