Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman to star in West End transfer of THE FIFTH STEP
It has been announced that David Ireland’s acclaimed new play The Fifth Step will transfer to London’s @sohoplace for a strictly limited season from 10 May-26 July.
Originally performed as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2024, this NTS production has been further developed for this West End premiere and the new opportunities for restaging that @sohoplace offers. Directed by rising star Finn den Hertog, associate artist at NTS, it will be a rare chance to see two of the UK’s most exciting acting talents in the intimacy of the in-the-round space @sohoplace.
Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Apple TV) reprises his performance as Luka and Martin Freeman (The Responder, BBC) will play the role of James in David Ireland’s funny and unflinchingly honest drama about addiction, masculinity and faith.
Step 1: honesty.
Step 2: faith.
Step 3: surrender.
Step 4: self-examination.
After many years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James agrees to become the sponsor of newcomer Luka.
On the journey to sobriety, the pair bond over black coffee, trade stories, and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences.
On the cusp of Step 5, their conversations must turn to confessionals, with progress hinging on Luka revealing secrets that could lead back to alcohol. But it’s clear that James also has dangerous truths in his past, truths that threaten the trust on which both their recoveries depend.
Jack Lowden said: "To just be in the room again with David and Finn – two dangerously talented individuals – is a gift in itself. But to now add Martin to the mix, an actor of black belt level skill and a hero of mine, just tops it. I can’t wait for more people to experience The Fifth Step."
Martin Freeman said: “I’m really looking forward to performing this brilliantly funny, unsettling, unexpected play. David Ireland is something quite special and Jack Lowden is an actor I have tremendous respect for and am looking forward to working with him.”
The production features set and costume design by Milla Clarke, with lighting by Lizzie Powell, sound by Mark Melville, movement direction by Jenny Ogilvie, and casting by Stuart Burt CDG.