National Theatre Live - The Fifth Step

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 - 7.30 pm

Crail Community Hall

Play by David Ireland

directed by Finn den Hertog

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 friendship out 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.

★★★★★ ‘Raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny’ Daily Mail

★★★★ ‘Two actors at the top of their game’ Evening Standard

★★★★ ‘Jack Lowden is staggeringly good’ Times

★★★★ ‘Freeman and Lowden spar like champions’ WhatsOnStage

★★★★ ‘Hilarious two-hander’ Guardian

★★★★ ‘Taut, funny and richly compassionate’ Financial Times

Click here for Trailer

Running time:  120 mins (please note: there is no interval)

BBFC Certificate: 15

BYOB

Tickets: £14 through https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/crail-community-partnership