Review: The Fifth Step (@SohoPlace)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Since opening as the West End’s newest theatre in 2022, @SohoPlace has become a welcome home for a versatile range of programming, all consistent in their quality and reception. Now in its fourteenth production the venue has opted for the London transfer of The Fifth Step, just nine months after its premiere in Edinburgh. With star casting and an acclaimed writer involved, would this be another big hitter for them?

Named after one of the steps in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Fifth Step sees the more seasoned James (Martin Freeman) agree to become the sponsor of newcomer Luka (Jack Lowden). With the fifth step requiring confessionals, the pair begin a friendship as they bond over both their similarities and differences on their journey to sobriety. However, it’s a fragile relationship for them both, with secrets threatening both of their recoveries.

Though it was first seen in Edinburgh last year, this production of The FIfth Step has undergone substantial changes since that initial run, including the staging itself in an intimate affair that perfectly plays to the strengths of @SohoPlace’s in-the-round style. With nowhere to hide, both actors are completely exposed in this two-hander with a minimalist design by Milla Clarke offering no distractions, allowing for a complete focus on the two remarkable actors. This results in pure connection, transporting you into their world and seeing every crack in when the story gets a bit ugly, achieved through some inspired direction by Finn Den Hertog. Through their positioning, pacing and delivery of lines, the intimacy of this story has been well thought out with meticulous choices allowing for maximum impact in a truly gripping watch.

Though the space and direction are instrumental in achieving this connection to the story, the real star of The Fifth Step is in David Ireland’s sensational writing. I had already been blown away by one of his plays after seeing the phenomenal Ulster American back in 2023, and this continues his stellar work. In a relentless singular act of just under 90 minutes, both characters have several meetings with Ireland’s writing proving naturally conversational, full of wit and many a twist along the way.

Key to the success of the play are how the main themes are used throughout. Among these are trust and power. More specifically, the differing power dynamics between two men in vulnerable states and even an abuse of power. The contrasting and evolving natures of both men ensures The Fifth Step becomes unpredictable in every step it takes but stays gripping at every turn.

Reprising his role from last year’s run in Edinburgh, Slow Horses star Jack Lowden gives an astonishing turn as Luka. Though the character goes through a journey during the play, the strength of Lowden’s acting remains of the highest quality throughout, naturally taking the audience through these changes as the nature of his relationship with his sponsor adapts.  Crucially, he is believable in this characterisation with the energy he brings to the performance making it such a captivating watch. The way he carries himself through uncomfortable fidgeting and pacing around the stage ensures Lowden’s performance extends beyond his exceptional delivery of his lines.

Martin Freeman more than matches Lowden’s strengths in his turn as James. As the play unfolds, his character unravels with the question of what his true motives are and how much he can be trusted. Freeman relishes in this tricky character, expertly revealing aspects of the character while keeping others close to his chest. James’ nature can change in an instant, especially in one pivotal moment that showcases Freeman’s incredible abilities. Both his and Lowden’s performance are drastically opposing, but the quality of each is of the highest you will see on a West End stage at the moment, and never dips even for the merest of moments.

The Fifth Step isn’t always the most comfortable of watches, with some difficult and sensitive themes explored throughout. It does prove to be frequently funny though while never detracting from the seriousness of the topics at the heart of the story - this is a testament to David Ireland’s fantastic writing, taking you on a journey and always leaving you guessing where the story is going to go nex. It is truly edge of your seat stuff - powerful at its best and gripping throughout. With Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman bringing Ireland’s words to life in magnificent fashion and a glorious use of space, this is another glittering addition to @SohoPlace’s impressive roster. When it comes to must-see plays in the West End at the moment, this is several steps ahead of the rest.

The FIfth Step plays at @SohoPlace until 26th July. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-fifth-step-tickets

Photos by Johan Persson