NT Live – The Fifth Step
The Fifth Step
by David Ireland
Directed by Finn den Hertog
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.
Content to Consider and Accessibility
Please be aware that this show contains strong, offensive language; direct commends and discussions about religion; and touches upon sexual themes and material.
This will be a Captioned performance.
Studio Event
Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it’s your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.
‘Raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny’
Daily Mail
‘Two actors at the top of their game’
Evening Standard
‘Hilarious two-hander’
Guardian
You may also be interested in...
Showing: Sun 07 Jun 2026
The Playboy of the Western World By John Millington Synge Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth...
More info and tickets
Showing: Wed 22 Jul 2026
Join us for an evening of the freshest comedy as comedians Glenn Moore (Live At The Apollo, Mock the Week) and Bella Hull (Have I Got News For You, Stand Up...
More info and tickets
Showing: Thu 23 Jul 2026 - Sat 25 Jul 2026
When a young couple, Sam and Callum, decide to start a family, it should be a time of excitement and possibility. But plans are derailed by Michael...
More info and ticketsGet our Newsletter
