At the heart of The Fifth Step is the connection between Luka (Jack Lowden), a young man newly committed to sobriety and James (Martin Freeman), a composed, long-recovered alcoholic with 25 years of sobriety under his belt. Early on, they discuss the ‘fourth step’ which involves compiling a list of all one’s wrongdoings and the infamous ‘fifth step’ which is the confessional act of sharing this list with another person to begin shedding the shame it carries. This framework becomes a lens through which Ireland examines not just the consequences of addiction, but the interplay between both cause and effect.
While the dialogue-driven format offers moments of insight, it occasionally veers into a lecture on what it is to be an alcoholic. Nevertheless, Ireland’s writing is effortlessly funny, and the play gathers real momentum in its final act, where it takes an unexpected, darker turn.
The Fifth Step is a play with a distinctive premise and strong performances, but it doesn’t always entirely fulfil the potential of its depth.
Show Title: The Fifth Step
Venue: @sohoplace
Review Date: 20/05/2025
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