National Theatre Live brings The Fifth Step to Woking Nova Cinema and Event Cinemas nationwide, a thoughtful drama about recovery, trust, and the shifting balance of power. Martin Freeman, older and wiser, plays James, a sponsor who has been sober for 25 years. Opposite him is Slow Horses star Jack Lowden as Luka, a newcomer to AA who is surprised to find that James considers masturbating 20 times a day excessive.

The play begins with lively exchanges. Luka is restless, uncertain, and Lowden captures that unease with precision, his jumpy, nervous energy gradually settling into quiet strength.

Freeman’s James appears calm and reassuring, but the tone slowly changes. His authority grows heavier, his charm more brittle. Conversations with Luka stir memories James cannot control. The dynamic shifts, and Luka begins to steady himself. In a striking reversal, he seemingly takes on the role of sponsor.

The production is staged with simplicity. A bare set keeps the focus on dialogue and silence. Pauses carry weight, drawing the audience in. The intimacy of the space makes us feel close to the characters, almost part of the conversation ourselves.

Freeman delivers a layered performance, showing both the strength and fragility of a man who has lived with sobriety for decades. Lowden matches him with a portrayal that evolves from jittery newcomer to someone capable of holding his ground. Their chemistry ensures the drama feels balanced, never one‑sided.

Director, Finn den Hertog, expertly conducts the pair, who dance around the stage and each other like caged animals. Den Hertog’s fast-moving production sizzles with furious energy and aggression.

What makes The Fifth Step compelling is its refusal to resolve neatly. It asks whether recovery is ever complete, whether sponsorship can slip into control, and how easily roles can reverse. These questions linger long after the final scene.

This is not easy theatre, but it is rewarding. Honest, unsettling, and deeply human, The Fifth Step is a production that stays with you.
Witty, gritty and thought-provoking.
Five Stars.
Reviewed by Nina Gardner.

I’m a big fan of NT Live, which broadcasts live theatre from London to cinemas worldwide. It makes top productions accessible for those unable to travel, offering audiences a chance to experience performances “from the best seat in the house.”

Cast
James              Martin Freeman
Luka                 Jack Lowden
Creatives
Playwright       David Ireland
Director           Finn den Hertog
Set and costume design Milla Clarke
Lighting Design          Lizzie Powell
Sound Design and Composer Mark Melville
Movement Jenny Ogilvie