In an electrifying theatrical event, acclaimed actors Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman are set to share the stage in the gripping addiction drama The Fifth Step. Written by the provocative playwright David Ireland, known for his darkly comedic works like Cyprus Avenue and Ulster American, the play delves into the complex realms of addiction, faith, and masculinity.
Lowden, fresh off his success in the spy thriller series Slow Horses, will reprise his role as Luka, a struggling alcoholic who embarks on the challenging journey of the 12-step recovery program. He first portrayed the character to great acclaim at the Edinburgh International Festival last year, delivering a raw and vulnerable performance that left audiences stunned.
A Meeting of Acting Titans
For the highly anticipated West End run at @sohoplace, Lowden will be joined by none other than Martin Freeman, an acting powerhouse known for his roles in Sherlock, The Hobbit, and Fargo. Freeman will take on the role of Luka’s older mentor, a pivotal figure in guiding him through the transformative fifth step of the program.
“Martin Freeman is an actor of black-belt level skill,” Lowden raved about his co-star. “He’s a hero of mine!”
Jack Lowden
The fifth step, which lends the play its title, involves sharing a written inventory of one’s past wrongdoings with a trusted confidant. It’s a moment of profound vulnerability and catharsis, one that Ireland, who drew from his own experiences with alcoholism and loneliness, sees as a “confession” of sorts.
Wit, Irreverence, and Subversion
Under the direction of Finn den Hertog, who helmed the original Edinburgh production, The Fifth Step promises to showcase Ireland’s signature style – a potent blend of caustic wit, irreverence, and subversiveness. The intimate in-the-round staging at @sohoplace, a new purpose-built venue in the heart of London’s West End, will heighten the emotional intensity of the two-hander.
“It’s a brilliantly funny, unsettling, unexpected play,” Freeman described, hinting at the emotional rollercoaster that awaits theatregoers.
Martin Freeman
The creative reunion of Lowden, Ireland, and den Hertog has all the makings of theatrical magic. “To just be in the room again with David and Finn, two dangerously talented individuals, is a gift in itself,” Lowden expressed.
Confronting Demons on Stage
The Fifth Step fearlessly tackles the demons of addiction, peeling back the layers of machismo to reveal the vulnerability and humanity beneath. It’s a theme that resonates deeply with Ireland, who hopes London audiences will find the play as “thrilling, funny, and thought-provoking” as those in Scotland did.
With its stellar cast, provocative writing, and daring exploration of weighty subjects, The Fifth Step is poised to be one of the must-see theatrical events of the season. As Lowden and Freeman bare their souls on stage, audiences will be invited to confront their own demons and ponder the transformative power of honesty and connection.
Don’t Miss This Electrifying Drama
The Fifth Step runs from May 10 to July 26 at @sohoplace in London. Presented by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions, and the National Theatre of Scotland, this promises to be an unforgettable night at the theater, with two acting giants at the height of their powers. Book your tickets now for a front-row seat to the fireworks!
Will The Fifth Step mark a new high point in London theater? Will Lowden and Freeman’s on-stage chemistry crackle with intensity? One thing’s for certain: This summer, the West End is set to come face-to-face with the demons of addiction in a brutal, beautiful, and utterly devastating way.
