Duration
2 hrs
Closing Date
Until July 26, 2025
Age limit
Suitable for 16+ yrs
Why Watch The Fifth Step?
- See powerhouse performances from Jack Lowden (Olivier Award winner, BAFTA nominee for Slow Horses) and Martin Freeman (Emmy, BAFTA, and SAG Award winner for Sherlock) in this raw, gripping drama.
- Acclaimed playwright David Ireland's brilliantly subversive storytelling fearlessly explores addiction recovery through sharp dialogue and devastating revelations.
- The sold-out Edinburgh International Festival hit brings audiences uncomfortably close to the psychological battlefield of male emotion, as the quest for sobriety unravels deeper, darker truths about masculinity and belief.
The Fifth Step made its world premiere at the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival to critical acclaim before transferring to London's @sohoplace for this strictly limited 11-week West End run. The play continues David Ireland's reputation for creating provocative, challenging work that tackles complex contemporary issues with unflinching honesty. The creative team includes set and costume design by Milla Clarke, with a notable revolving set that partially collapses to reveal its innards – a visual metaphor for the characters' psychological unraveling.
Watch the intimate two-hander as it explores the fifth step of Alcoholics Anonymous' twelve-step program with tickets to the play in London.
Storyline
Young alcoholic Luka reluctantly joins AA and finds himself paired with James, a long-time program veteran who becomes his sponsor. The straightforward social agreement slowly turns into a complex bed of entanglements as they approach the fifth step: confession. As their fragile trust builds through black coffee and shared stories, it becomes increasingly unclear who truly needs saving. This provocative, entertaining, and subversively funny drama explores addiction, masculinity, faith, and the difficult journey toward redemption in a somber one-part play.
Show timings
Show timings for The Fifth Step may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Jack Lowden as Luka and Martin Freeman as James
Director: Finn Den Hertog
Playwright: David Ireland
Casting: Stuart Burt CDG
Set & costume designer: Milla Clarke
Sound designer: Mark Melville
Lighting designer: Lizzie Powell
Age Suitability
Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
This show is not appropriate for audiences below the age of 16.
Sohoplace Theatre
Soho Place in London is a well-known venue for hosting thought-provoking plays and performances. The theater has a seating capacity of 600, making for an intimate and immersive viewing experience. With its central location in Charing Cross Rd, Soho Place is easily accessible and a favorite spot among theater enthusiasts. Seating Capacity: 600 The @sohoplace seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: 4 Soho Pl, Charing Cross Rd, London W1D 3BG, UK
- By metro:
The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square.
- By train:
Train is another option to reach @sohoplace London. The venue is 15-18 minutes from Charing Cross Station, served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines.
- By bus:
6, 9, 87, 243, and 341 (Aldwych); 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 168, 171, 172, 188, 243, 341, and 521 (The Strand)
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Toilets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't allowed inside, the hotel complex hosts many cafes or restaurants inside for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your The Fifth Step voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from £25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show contains strong language and adult themes. It is most suitable for children and adults above the age of 16.
The show is playing at @sohoplace in London.
The play follows two men in AA - a newcomer and his sponsor - who form a fragile bond when secrets emerge during their path to recovery.
The running time is 1 hr 30 min with no intermission.
The main stars of the show are Jack Lowden starring as Luka and Martin Freeman playing the role of James.
