Theatre goers most likely associate the name David Ireland with such words as contentious, controversial and confrontational. His hit Ulster American, for instance, contained a crude reference to Princess Diana that other playwrights wouldn’t dare go near. Exploring the complexities of the human condition, the writer often employs humour to delve into and examine the darker sides of life. The Fifth Step is no exception. Ireland journeyed through Alcoholics Anonymous himself and has since experienced what he refers to as a spiritual awakening. This has resulted in what some might view as a quieter creative endeavour when compared to the writer’s other works, yet one that still brims with the biting black comedy he is known for. Following a successful run in Edinburgh last year, the two-hander arrives at one of London’s most exciting venues, Soho Place.
The fifth step of the Alcoholics Anonymous programme requires members to admit to their struggles and address the harm they have inflicted on themselves and others. Milla Clarke’s simple set consists only of chairs and a refreshments table. While the obvious choice would be to present a series of group meetings, Ireland’s sole focus is on just two individuals. Luka (an electric Jack Lowden of Slow Horses fame) asks James (a compelling Martin Freeman) to be his sponsor and help him navigate his way through the battlefield that is sobriety. On the surface, James has his life together. Sober, married and seemingly at peace with himself, the man presents as a stark contrast to the twitchy, anxiety-ridden ‘lost-boy’ that is Luka. This is, however, a David Ireland play, so inevitably a great deal of character excavation ensues. The meeting room at times becomes more akin to a boxing ring as the two knock layers off one another, gradually assassinating their opponent’s character while unveiling more of themselves.
For such a play to work, actors of the highest calibre are called for. Speaking in his native Scottish tongue and practically personifying fretfulness, Lowden lures us into his character’s world from the off. Exercising tremendous physicality, the actor is at odds with Freeman’s calm composure. We await the eruption of the storm contained within James’s controlled demeanour and are not disappointed when the character finally comes undone. Power statuses shift and we soon learn to take all that we see and hear with a large pinch of salt. James’s outer projection doesn’t quite mirror who he is inside. Feeling redundant as his mentee gains confidence in himself, James is forced to ask himself questions he has so far swept under the rug.
Masculinity, male loneliness and fragility and the ruthless reality of addiction are all laid bare throughout this carefully crafted and alluringly intimate ninety minutes. Ireland is in his own lane when it comes to playwrighting. The script is meticulously constructed with our expectations constantly subverted. In the wrong hands, the idea of spirituality could come over as trite and clichéd. Here it is depicted with an authentic rawness that we buy into and believe.
Under the assured direction of Finn Den Hertog, we are offered a great deal to unpack. While the thought-provoking themes are occasionally gift-wrapped with Ireland’s trademark humour, this is an intense, demanding hour and a half which throws a lot of questions at its audience without providing all the answers. As entertaining as it is uncomfortable, it’s no exaggeration to say this is the play of the moment.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
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.
Luka – Jack Lowden
James – Martin Freeman
David Ireland – Playwright
Finn Den Hertog – Director
Milla Clarke – Set and Costume Design
Lizzie Powell – Lighting Design
Mark Melville – Sound Design and Composer
Jenny Ogilvie – Movement Director
Bret Yount – Fight Director
Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland present
THE FIFTH STEP
@sohoplace
Until 26 July 2025
