Actor

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 program 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.  

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London’s National Theatre in HD: The Fifth Step

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

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 program of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. As Luka approaches step five dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

NT Live: The Fifth Step

Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space

David Ireland’s latest work is a grimly comic play that explores the difficult journey to sobriety. This 'daring dramatist' (The Guardian) is best known for his award-winning provocative plays, Cyprus Avenue and Ulster American.

The Fifth Step

The Lyceum

Thirty something Luka is new to Alcoholics Anonymous and looking for a sponsor. James is older, has been in the programme for years, surely he’s the perfect person to shepherd the younger man through each of the twelve steps on the road to recovery. Or maybe life just isn’t that simple.

Dundee Rep Theatre

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, 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 program of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. As Luka approaches step five dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

Actor

Jack Lowden

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 7, 2026

NT Live: The Fifth Step · Symphony Space

Past events

Feb 28, 2026

London’s National Theatre in HD: The Fifth Step · Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Dec 4, 2025

NT Live: The Fifth Step · Symphony Space

About

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