The Fifth Step Tickets

Book Tickets for Martin Freeman in The Fifth Step

Sherlock star Martin Freeman and Slow Horses ' Jack Lowden take the stage in David Ireland’s compelling new play The Fifth Step , a “complex two-hander” (The Guardian) about the friendship formed between two men at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Don’t miss this “brilliantly funny, unsettling, unexpected play” (The Guardian), premiering at Soho Place following a critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival in 2024.

What is the play The Fifth Step about?

“Step 5 - Admit to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

“Slippery yet sincere, funny but serious” (The Guardian) The Fifth Step follows Luka, an alcoholic navigating the 12-step programme with the help of his enigmatic sponsor, James. As Luka confronts his past and explores his identity, their bond deepens, but startling revelations challenge trust and blur the line between guidance and control. Inspired by playwright David Ireland’s own experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous, this darkly humorous and poignant play delves into themes of masculinity, addiction, faith, and redemption, offering a raw exploration of human vulnerability and resilience.

Cast and Creative Team of The Fifth Step

The production stars Emmy, BAFTA, and SAG Award winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, Sherlock ) as experienced AA member James. Joining him is Olivier Award winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk ) as newcomer Luka, reprising his “remarkable” (Scottish Field) performance from the show’s run at the Edinburgh International Festival.

The Fifth Step is written by Irish Times Theatre Award-winning playwright David Ireland (Ulster American, Cyprus Avenue ), and National Theatre of Scotland Associate Artist Finn den Hertog (Black Watch, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart ) directs in an intimate in-the-round staging. The Fifth Step has set and costume design by Milla Clarke, lighting design by Lizzie Powell, and sound design by Mark Melville, with movement by Jenny Ogilvie.

Book Tickets for The Fifth Step at Soho Place Today!

So take that first step to secure tickets to this "authentic, real and very entertaining" (The Guardian) new play, featuring two of television's biggest stars. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this incisive, gripping production at London's newest purpose-built venue, Soho Place. Book now!