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The Fifth Step Tickets

Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden star in David Ireland's play

This production is recommended for ages 16+

Performance dates

10 May - 26 July 2025

Run time 1hr 30mins (no interval)

Includes interval

  • Show info
  • Performance Times
  • Accessibility
  • News

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.

Following an acclaimed sold-out Edinburgh season, Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) reprises his role as Luka joined in the West End by Emmy, BAFTA and SAG Award winner Martin Freeman (The Responder, Sherlock) as James.

Directed intimately in-the-round by Finn den Hertog, The Fifth Step is a provocative, entertaining and subversively funny new play from David Ireland.

Upcoming Performance Times

Monday12 May 2025
Tuesday13 May 2025
Wednesday14 May 2025
Thursday15 May 2025
Friday16 May 2025
Saturday17 May 2025
Saturday17 May 2025
19:30
19:30
19:30
19:30
19:30
14:30
19:30

Performance Months

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Access

BSL Signed performance - Thursday 12th June 7.30pm. Captioned Performance - Tuesday 24th June 7.30pm. Audio Described Performance - Tuesday 8th July 7.30pm.

Latest The Fifth Step News

@sohoplace best seats and seating plan

News

@sohoplace best seats and seating plan

@sohoplace is London’s first new West End theatre in 50 years, bringing a fresh and innovative performance space to the heart of the city. Officially opening in 2022, this state-of-the-art venue was designed with flexibility in mind, offering a fully adaptable auditorium that allows for different seating configurations depending on the production. Located just off Tottenham Court Road, @sohoplace is a modern and intimate venue that provides an unparalleled connection between performers and the audience.

Unlike traditional theatres, @sohoplace embraces an immersive and contemporary approach to staging productions. With its cutting-edge acoustics, intimate seating arrangements, and a focus on new writing and innovative performances, it has quickly become a must-visit destination for theatre lovers.

What are the best seats in @sohoplace?

The best seats at @sohoplace depend on the specific show and its staging configuration. However, due to its intimate design and wraparound seating, there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.

For the best overall experience, front-row seats in the Stalls offer an immersive view, placing you right in the action. If you prefer a slightly elevated vantage point, seats in the Circle provide a fantastic overview of the stage while still maintaining a close connection to the performers.

Because @sohoplace can be reconfigured into different layouts, including thrust, in-the-round, and end-on staging, the prime seats may vary depending on the production. Checking the specific seating chart for your chosen performance is always a good idea to secure the best possible view.

@sohoplace seating plan

3 Apr, 2025 | By Sian McBride

Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden star in new West End play

News / Celebrities / Casting / New Shows + Transfers

Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden star in new West End play

Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden will star in the West End premiere of David Ireland’s The Fifth Step

An unflinchingly honest drama about addiction, masculinity and faith, the play debuted at the Edinburgh International Festival last year. Jack Lowden, who played Luka in the original run, will be reprising his critically acclaimed role at @sohoplace this spring. 

Commenting on today's announcement, Jack Lowden gushed: "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 agreed, adding: “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.”

23 Jan, 2025 | By Sian McBride

Tickets from£68.75
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