Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden are now on stage at @sohoplace, as the West End transfer of David Ireland’s play begins its run until July 26.
Originally performed as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2024, this production has been further developed for this West End premiere, taking advantage of the new opportunities for restaging that @sohoplace offers.
Directed by Finn den Hertog, associate artist at National Theatre Scotland, it sees two of the UK’s biggest acting talents in the intimacy of the in-the-round space @sohoplace. Lowden reprises his performance as Luka and Freeman plays the role of James in Ireland’s 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 show features set & costume design by Milla Clarke, with lighting design by Lizzie Powell, sound design by Mark Melville, movement by Jenny Ogilvie and casting by Stuart Burt.
The Fifth Step is produced by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland in association with Nica Burns. It will run for 11 weeks only with a final performance on July 26, 2025.
Tickets: The Fifth Step
All images: Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden in The Fifth Step – photos by Johan Persson
