London’s newest theatre, @sohoplace, continues to attract major talent with the announcement that Martin Freeman will join “Slow Horses” star Jack Lowden in an intense two-hander about addiction and recovery. “The Fifth Step,” fresh from its critically acclaimed Edinburgh International Festival run, begins performances on May 10, 2025.
David Ireland’s unflinching new play delves into the world of Alcoholics Anonymous, following the complex relationship between a long-term member, James (Freeman), and his new sponsee, Luka (Lowden). As they navigate the program’s famous 12 steps, both men must confront devastating secrets that threaten not only their friendship but their very recovery.
Rising director Finn den Hertog has reimagined the production specifically for @sohoplace’s intimate in-the-round setting, promising audiences an almost voyeuristic glimpse into these characters’ lives. “Having recently spent time with Martin and Jack together, I can already see how electric their chemistry will be,” says den Hertog. “These are elite actors working with an elite script.”
The production represents a significant moment for both stars. For Lowden, who garnered praise for his performance in Edinburgh, it’s a chance to bring the role to a wider audience. “To just be in the room again with David and Finn – two dangerously talented individuals – is a gift in itself,” he says. For Freeman, it marks a return to the stage in material he describes as “brilliantly funny, unsettling, unexpected.”
What Makes This Production Special:
- First London staging of David Ireland’s acclaimed new work
- Rare opportunity to see two major screen actors in an intimate setting
- Innovative use of @sohoplace’s in-the-round configuration
- Strong focus on accessibility with 15% of tickets priced at £25
The production runs for a strictly limited 11-week season until July 26, 2025, with performances Monday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays. The schedule reflects the play’s intensity – these are roles that demand everything from their performers.
Venue founder Nica Burns emphasizes how perfectly suited the play is to the space: “The production will thrill in the intense intimacy of the @sohoplace auditorium. It is a perfect fit.”
This West End transfer also highlights the continuing creative exchange between Scottish and London theatre, with the National Theatre of Scotland co-producing alongside Neal Street Productions and Playful Productions. David Ireland’s work, known for its caustic wit and fearless approach to difficult subjects, promises to challenge and engage London audiences.
Tickets go on sale January 23, 2025, through www.thefifthstep.co.uk, with early booking advised given the limited run and star casting. Theatre enthusiasts should note that the intimate venue means every seat offers a close-up view of what promises to be one of 2025’s most compelling dramatic encounters.
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