The Fifth Step

National Theatre of London / NT Live

1h40m
Sun Dec 7, 2025
By David Ireland – Directed by Finn Den Hertog

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.

After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

Filmed live from the @sohoplace theatre on London’s West End.

Tickets*: $18 members; $15 students; $20 general.
*The final ticket price will include a service fee

★★★★★
‘Raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny’
—Daily Mail

★★★★
‘Two actors at the top of their game’
—Evening Standard

★★★★
—‘Hilarious two-hander’
–Guardian