About the Show

Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden star in this two-hander exploring addiction and confession.

In the dim glow of late-night cafés and the quiet corners of recovery meetings, two men navigate the treacherous path of sobriety. Luka, a newcomer to the 12-step programme, seeks guidance from James, a seasoned sponsor. As they bond over black coffee and shared stories, the looming Fifth Step — the act of confessing one's deepest regrets — threatens to unravel the fragile trust they've built. But James harbours secrets of his own, blurring the lines between mentor and mentee.

Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh International Festival, The Fifth Step makes its West End debut at @sohoplace. Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) reprises his role as Luka, joined by Emmy, BAFTA, and SAG Award-winner Martin Freeman (The Responder, Sherlock) as James. Directed in-the-round by Finn den Hertog, this provocative new play by David Ireland (Ulster American) delves into themes of addiction, faith, and the complexities of masculinity.

Critic Reviews (10)

"Whether tender or troubling, chemistry always bubbles between them as they ping-pong through Ireland’s terse script."
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"Yet despite bubbling with hard-won authenticity and again displaying Ireland’s flair for nifty, surprising dialogue, the short evening... winds up seeming curiously flat."
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"The Fifth Step, carefully directed by Finn den Hertog, spins through many moods and multiple questions but it never loses its grip."
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"It’s seriously good to see these two actors back in a theatre in such challenging material, on an open stage that offers nowhere to hide."
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“Alcoholism, sobriety, spirituality: the themes are resonant here. But this is a production that puts its hands firmly round your neck without ever delivering the expected throttling.”
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A searingly honest and darkly funny two-hander that grips from the first sip of black coffee to the final, devastating confession
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"From this straightforward set-up, Ireland digs into powerful, timely themes – cross-generational tensions, repressed sexuality and spirituality among them. The dialogue is sharp and dynamic, full of snappy banter and brutal truths..."
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"There are times when, as per other Ireland characters, Luka sounds a bit too much like the playwright, too eloquent and gifted at comedy, but the results are extremely satisfying. And the ending is a sweet surprise."
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Cast and creative team