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The Fifth Step

With a smartly self-referential script from David Ireland, which is packed with engaging, funny, and irreverent dialogue, The Fifth Step proves to be a powerful and darkly comedic exploration of masculinity, trauma, and the human condition.

a powerful and darkly comedic exploration of masculinity, trauma, and the human condition

Through the lens of a relationship between a recovering alcoholic and his sponsor, the play presents the intense, messy, and often volatile dynamic between the two main characters, played by Jack Lowden and Sean Gilder. Lowden’s Luka, a young man wrestling with his past, is both raw, compelling, and very funny. Gilder plays the seasoned veteran who’s seen it all and is eager to impart his wisdom to a young man in need.

Both characters feel very real. Luka, in particular, embodies a restless energy, naivety, and insecurity that will be strikingly familiar to anyone who's gone to a Scottish state school. Similarly, James’s practised steadiness has a decidedly authentic ring to it, and the chemistry between the two actors is undeniable. Their push-and-pull dynamic drives the play forward as their relationship evolves amid changing behaviours and explosive revelations. The dialogue between them is funny, realistically inappropriate, and poignant.

Director Fin Der Hertog’s staging is another strength. The rotating Milla Clarke set is used cleverly, and nods to Harvey—a gentler, yet potentially more damaging, comedic portrayal of alcoholism—are handled nicely. The surreal interludes and stagier interjections, incorporating music, light, and dance, are also effective.

However, the play is not without its flaws. The script is ambitious and feels very Coen-esque at times but is occasionally overburdened by its many ideas. Identity, trauma, masculinity, abuse of power, infidelity, masturbation, religion, and classic movies—there’s a lot packed in. The play sometimes feels overstuffed, and things lose their way as it reaches a slightly histrionic finale. Some of the finely balanced character work, which grounds the play earlier, is lost in the climax.

Despite this, The Fifth Step remains a compelling piece of theatre, and the first play I’ve seen this August that I could take a lot of my very much non-theatre pals to and be confident they’d both be into it, and not call me an arty wank. Its willingness to tackle difficult subjects with both humour and seriousness is commendable, and the stand-out performances of Lowden and Gilder make for a very thought-provoking and enjoyable drama.

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Reviews by Alec Martin

The Studio

After the Silence

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The Fifth Step

★★★★
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★★★★
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★★★★
Assembly George Square Gardens

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★★★

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Performances

Location

The Blurb

WORLD PREMIERE

David Ireland’s latest collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland tells a complex story about men, intimacy and our belief systems.

David Ireland’s latest work is a grimly comic play that explores the difficult journey to sobriety. This 'daring dramatist' (The Guardian) is best known for his award-winning provocative plays, Cyprus Avenue and Ulster American.

The Fifth Step features Scottish actor Jack Lowden as Luka, nominated for BAFTAs in both 2020 as a Rising Star and in 2023 for Best Supporting Actor in thriller series Slow Horses. Luka has recently joined Alcoholics Anonymous and is searching for a sponsor. He finds James, an older man who has been in the programme for years. From the outset, James looks like the ideal man to shepherd Luka through each of the twelve steps. However, the road to recovery isn’t that simple, and will force both Luka and James to closely examine their pasts and face their own transgressions.

The National Theatre of Scotland returns to the International Festival following 2023's Thrown, hailed as a 'beautifully-crafted production' (The Scotsman).

A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.

National Theatre of Scotland

David Ireland WriterFinn den Hertog Director

Jack Lowden LukaSean Gilder James

Yvonne Strain BSL Interpreter

Yvonne Waddell BSL Interpreter

Louisa McDaid Captioner

Emma-Jane McHenry Audio Describer

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