NTLIVE: The Fifth Step

★★★★★ Daily Mail
★★★★ Times, Daily Express, Guardian, WhatsonStage, Daily Mirror, Evening Standard, Financial Times, Stage

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.

After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendshi pout of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five–the moment of confession–dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End

Just in “Some of the strongest recent screen experiences have come from filmed plays, using close-ups and camera angles to transform the viewing… The dialogue is hilarious… Lowden is fantastic, wonderful to hear his Scottish accent and see his Olivier-winning stage talent in this role… Freeman is the perfect foil, an addict who seems controlled and controlling… This is a superbly acted filmed performance of a raw, riveting, funny play. As Benedict Cumberbatch notes in a promotional introduction, it’s one performance seen by millions from the best seat in the house.”
— The Australian