David Ireland’s new play The Fifth Step is set to transfer to London’s West End, following a successful premiere at the Edinburgh Festival last year.

Running at @sohoplace for a limited season from 10 May to 26 July, Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) will reprise his role as Luka from the Edinburgh run, joined by Emmy, BAFTA, and SAG Award-winner Martin Freeman (The Responder, Sherlock, The Office) as James.

Directed by Finn den Hertog, associate artist at the National Theatre of Scotland, this powerful drama examines addiction, masculinity, and faith through Ireland’s sharp and unflinching writing.

In The Fifth Step, James, a long-time participant in Alcoholics Anonymous, agrees to sponsor Luka, a newcomer to the program. As they bond over black coffee and shared experiences, their tentative friendship is tested by the confessional demands of Step 5. Luka must confront his deepest secrets, while James’s own hidden truths threaten the fragile trust between them. Ireland’s previous plays include the award-winning Cyprus Avenue, and Ulster American.

Jack Lowden expressed his excitement: “To just be in the room again with David and Finn – two dangerously talented individuals – is a gift in itself. But to now add Martin to the mix, an actor of black-belt-level skill and a hero of mine, just tops it. I can’t wait for more people to experience The Fifth Step.”

Martin Freeman added: “I’m really looking forward to performing this brilliantly funny, unsettling, unexpected play. David Ireland is something quite special, and Jack Lowden is an actor I have tremendous respect for. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Playwright David Ireland shared his thoughts: “I’m really happy that The Fifth Step is coming to the West End. Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman are, for my money, two of the best actors in the country, so I feel very blessed to have them both in this play.”

The Fifth Step will feature set and costume design by Milla Clarke, lighting design by Lizzie Powell, sound design by Mark Melville, movement direction by Jenny Ogilvie, and casting by Stuart Burt CDG. The run at @sohoplace is produced by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions, and the National Theatre of Scotland, in association with Nica Burns.

The Fifth Step runs at @sohoplace from 10 May to 26 July 2025. Tickets are on sale from 27 January via sohoplace.org.