The Fifth Step

Review by Sam

⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐

Following a sold-out Edinburgh season, David Ireland's highly acclaimed, explosively funny and provocative new play about addiction opens in London as an intimately staged in-the-round two-hander.

Whilst undertaking the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James agrees to become the sponsor of newcomer Luka. Through sharing lived experiences, the pair bond as they approach the confessional Step 5. However, both hide secrets which when unveiled threaten the trust on which their recoveries depend. Despite its often-dark undertones and triggering subject matter, Ireland's script is wildly entertaining and surprisingly funny, in a play that subverts audience’s expectations in a nuanced and intelligent way. Ireland writes complex and layered dialogue which moves at rapid pace, tackling religion, love, and more, through detailed humour performed exquisitely by two of this country’s finest performers.

Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman deliver tour-de-force performances in this tightly woven 90-minute production. The chemistry between both actors is palpable, with dialogue bouncing between one-another seamlessly and with ease. Both roles are written in a way which allow them to showcase the depth and range of their talent; however, it is Jack Lowden who is given a more layered character. Lowden impresses with a versatile performance that showcases humour, emotion, anger, and more throughout. Neither performer leaves the stage for the duration of the show, allowing comical moments to be exposed and dramatic turns to be unveiled through clever use of staging.

Director Finn den Hertog stages the production in-the-round in a genius way, trapping the performers into these AA meetings with the audience surrounding and engulfing the action. By doing so, both performers and the story have nowhere to hide as hidden truths are forced to be uncovered.

The Fifth Step may well be one of the most intellectual comedic plays of the year. Bursting at the brim with incredible performances, clever staging, and a killer script, this emotional two-hander simply must be seen to be believed.