Alleyway is proud to partner with National Theatre Live to bring you the best theatre from around the world to our big screen. Come get a popcorn and enjoy the ride.

The Fifth Step

written BY
David Ireland
directed BY
Finn den Hertog
starring
Martin Freeman & Jack Lowden
Event Details - Museum X Webflow Template
January 1, 2026 7:00 PM
Event Details - Museum X Webflow Template
January 4, 2026 2:00 PM
Download the Digital Playbill
running time
This is a filmed screening of the original production.

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.

After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End.

★★★★★
‘Raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny’
Daily Mail

★★★★
‘Two actors at the top of their game’
Evening Standard

★★★★
‘Jack Lowden is staggeringly good’
Times

★★★★
‘Freeman and Lowden spar like champions’
WhatsOnStage

★★★★
‘Hilarious two-hander’
Guardian

★★★★
‘Taut, funny and richly compassionate’
Financial Times

world class theatre on screen ...