The best theatre to stream this month: Jack Lowden locks horns with Martin Freeman in The Fifth Step
David Ireland’s The Fifth Step follows an addict and his sponsor as they confront the fifth stage of the Alcoholics Anonymous programme. The two-hander stars Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman, includes a cameo from Willem Dafoe as Jesus, and is scheduled to stream on National Theatre at Home from 1 October.
David Ireland’s The Fifth Step centres on an addict in the Alcoholics Anonymous programme and his sponsor. Its story focuses on the programme’s fifth step, which involves confessing one’s wrongs to another person, such as a sponsor.
The production is described as a turbulent and darkly humorous two-hander. Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman play the central roles, with the characters confronting each other as the confession unfolds.
The production also includes what is described as a cameo from Willem Dafoe as Jesus. The play is scheduled to be available on National Theatre at Home from 1 October.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What circumstances lead the characters to confront the fifth step together?
How does the production portray the balance of power between an addict and a sponsor?
What expectations might viewers bring to a story centred on confession and recovery?
How could the play’s dark humour affect its treatment of addiction?
What remains undisclosed about the production’s streaming availability beyond the stated date?
YOUR QUESTION
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026