Plays

The Fifth Step Tickets

Duration

2 hr

Two men in AA form a precarious bond that's tested when the fifth step of recovery forces them to confront their darkest secrets.

Great for

Fans of drama | Adults

4.7/5

(22)

Martin

Jul 2025

Verified booking

5/5

What a fantastic theatre - comfortable, air conditioned, fantastic views, all in the round - just perfect. The performance matched the surroundings - Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden were just brilliant as well as being funny. A great script, brilliantly acted, in a great venue!

Ruth

Jul 2025

Verified booking

4/5

The 2man performance was very powerful but although it said 2hrs on my ticket, it only lasted 1hr 20mins. Bearing in mind I travelled down from Leeds (day trip) to see it I felt somewhat cheated! Theatre excellent. Good aircon on a very hot day.

Following its acclaimed world premiere at the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival, award-winning talents Jack Lowden (Olivier winner, "Slow Horses") and Martin Freeman (Emmy, BAFTA winner for "Sherlock") command the stage in this provocative exploration of addiction recovery. Originally developed as a collaboration between Ireland and the National Theatre of Scotland, this two-hander by David Ireland examines the complexities of the AA recovery process through the lens of sponsor-sponsee dynamics.

The story

New to Alcoholics Anonymous, Luka reluctantly accepts James as his sponsor – an older man who appears to have mastered the program's twelve steps. Their relationship grows increasingly complex as Luka approaches the pivotal fifth step, which demands complete honesty about one's past transgressions. Over black coffees and shared conversations, it becomes clear that both men harbor dangerous secrets that could jeopardize their journey. Get tickets to The Fifth Step in London's @sohoplace to catch the limited run now.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

How do we collect reviews?
4.7
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Guests from United States, Ireland, Germany and over 7 countries have loved this experience
Ruth
Jul, 2025Verified booking
4/5
The 2man performance was very powerful but although it said 2hrs on my ticket, it only lasted 1hr 20mins. Bearing in mind I travelled down from Leeds (day trip) to see it I felt somewhat cheated! Theatre excellent. Good aircon on a very hot day.
Martin
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
What a fantastic theatre - comfortable, air conditioned, fantastic views, all in the round - just perfect. The performance matched the surroundings - Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden were just brilliant as well as being funny. A great script, brilliantly acted, in a great venue!
Juliet
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
New theatre. Intimate seating. Excellent acting.
Katherine
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The performance was brilliantly acted
Jonathan
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Amazing writing and acting, really wonderful show!

Show details

Genre: Plays

Audience: Suitable for 16+ yrs

Theater name: @sohoplace

Theater facilities: bar, air conditioning, restrooms, elevator

Theater accessibility: accessible restrooms, wheelchair accessible, guide dogs allowed

Dress code: Smart casual

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

Additional info

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.