The U.K.’s National Theatre Live has released a new trailer for “The Fifth Step,” featuring Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (“Slow Horses,” “Dunkirk”) and Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit,” “The Responder”) in David Ireland’s critically acclaimed drama.
The trailer offers wider audiences their first glimpse of the intense two-hander. The production is set to reach cinemas worldwide from Nov. 27, presented by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland in association with Nica Burns.
Ireland’s play, from the writer behind “Ulster American,” follows the twelve-step journey of Alcoholics Anonymous, and centers on two men: James (Freeman), a long-time member of the program who agrees to mentor newcomer Luka (Lowden). Over cups of black coffee, the pair forge a fragile bond through shared experiences. But as Luka approaches the critical fifth step of the program, which demands complete honesty, both men must confront dangerous secrets from their past – revelations that could either strengthen their recovery or send them spiraling back toward addiction.
The production was filmed live during its sold-out London West End run at the intimate, in-the-round @sohoplace theatre. Directed by Finn den Hertog, the play originally premiered in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2024 through National Theatre of Scotland before its successful London transfer.
Lowden originated the role of Luka at the 2024 Edinburgh International Festival under the National Theatre of Scotland banner.
The project marks another high-profile addition to National Theatre Live’s roster of theatrical broadcasts, including “Inter Alia,” starring Rosamund Pike.
Watch the trailer for “The Fifth Step” here: