'The Fifth Step' by David Ireland

8 January 2026

On Wednesday we were at the Rufus Centre in Flitwick to see a NTLive filmed screening of 'The Fifth Step' by David Ireland from the Soho Place Theatre in London. This two-hander, performed in the round in a production directed by Finn den Hertog, stars Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden as fellow members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through a series of conversations we see their relationship develop while their personal journeys speed in opposite directions. 'The Fifth Step' is a dark comedy, its very funny script drawing us into some serious and disturbing topics. It's also an odd couple comedy, with the two characters' age, class, experience and background very alien from each other. There is no-one better than Martin Freeman at mugging in astonishment as his face reveals his dawning understanding of what has just been said. And Jack Lowden gives an incredibly physical performance, constantly twitching and pacing with nervous energy. It's a very cleverly written play that takes you to dark places without taking itself too seriously.