National Theatre Live Screening: The Fifth Step

Written by David Ireland

Directed by Finn den Hertog

Following an acclaimed sold-out Edinburgh Festival season in 2024, 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.

Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End.

“Jack Lowden compels in David Ireland’s new drama which bangs onto the stage with his crackling, cackling talents flaring”,★★★★The Observer

“All the energy and panache that David Ireland's fans have come to expect”,★★★★The Scotsman

Produced by Neal Street, Playful Productions and National Theatre Scotland

National Theatre Live captures the magic of every moment on stage. It lets you get up close, delve deeper and take in the spectacle. No wonder left unseen. Wherever you are in the world, from Tyneside to Tokyo, you’ll find a cinema near you, where your emotions can escape and run freely with the very best of British theatre.

105 mins

16+