Step 1: honesty.
Step 2: faith.
Step 3: surrender.
Step 4: self-examination.
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.
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) starring in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
This is a screening of The Fifth Step, filmed live in the round, July 2025, at @sohoplace – London’s first new-build West End theatre for 50 years.
Please note: This production contains strong language, comments on religion and sexual themes. It is recommended as suitable for ages 16+.
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes, no interval.
A Neal Street, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland production.
***** ‘Raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny’ – Daily Mail
**** ‘Two actors at the top of their game’ – Evening Standard
**** ‘Hilarious two-hander’ – Guardian
**** ‘Taut, funny and richly compassionate’ – Financial Times
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