A National Theatre of Scotland production | Written by David Ireland | Directed by Finn den Hertog
Starring Jack Lowden and Sean Gilder | The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow | 28 August 2024
Photos - lead image: Simon Murphy | production photos: Mihaela Bodlovic
The Fifth Step ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Luka (Jack Lowden) joins Alcoholics Anonymous and is in need of a sponsor. James (Sean Gilder) has been in the programme for years and agrees to guide Luka through the twelve steps that should see him on the road to recovery. As the men get to know each other better, their journeys become entwined and, well, the course of true redemption never did run smooth.
David Ireland's writing is refreshingly blunt. His plays are full of darkness, strong language and brilliant humour. But his dialogue is perhaps most shocking for its authenticity. How do men speak when they are alone at an AA meeting? I have no idea. But I'd imagine it's something like this: Unrestrained, explicit and at times unsettling.
The titular Step Five of the AA's Twelve Step programme requires confession. It involves admitting to yourself, and to another human being, the exact details of all your wrong doings.
How terrifying!
In David Ireland's The Fifth Step Luka bares his soul not only to James but to us, the theatre audience. It's intimate and disturbing, as well as relentlessly hilarious.
Both Jack Lowden and Sean Gilder are magnificent in their roles. They bring Ireland's dialogue to life with formidable displays of dynamism and grit. So clever is Ireland's writing that he manages to offset the horror with the humorous; and director Finn den Hertog expertly weaves moments of relative peace and reflection with aggressive outbursts and impactful revelations.
Coupled with an imaginative spinning set that allows the action to flow from room to room in an instant, the atmosphere is tense and perilous. We literally never know what's just around the corner. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire 90 minute runtime.
It's a superb set design from Milla Clarke and, as can be seen throughout the play, it takes a lot of teamwork backstage to ensure the smooth running of the ever-changing, exciting stage. But it adds so much interest to the two-person play; it really does take the production up a level.
We often talk about voices that are under-represented in the theatre: Working-class, women, minorities and many others. In 'The Fifth Step' we hear the voice of one confused, tormented alcoholic (or is it two?).
Ultimately this is a play about men, trust, truth and faith. It's an intense, stimulating new work full of scorching dialogue and uncomfortable truths. But it's also just incredibly entertaining.
With two remarkable performances at its core and themes that will have me thinking about it long after the curtain has fallen, 'The Fifth Step' is another triumph for David Ireland and for the National Theatre of Scotland.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Fifth Step is at Glasgow Pavilion Theatre until Saturday 31st August 2024. Jump to listings & tickets
The Fifth Step Cast and Creatives 2024
Cast
Sean Gilder James
Jack Lowden Luka
Creative Team
David Ireland Writer
Finn den Hertog Director
Milla Clarke Set & Costume Design
Lizzie Powell Lighting Design
Mark Melville Composer and Sound Design
The Fifth Step tickets
The Fifth Step is at Glasgow Pavilion Theatre until Saturday 31st August 2024.
⚠️ Age guidance: 16+, contains very strong language, descriptions of extreme violence, challenging comments on religion and sexual themes. | Runtime: 90 minutes, no interval
NEW!!
The Fifth Step West End Transfer Announced with Jack Lowden & Martin Freeman
THE FIFTH STEP, David Ireland’s thrilling and provocative play heads to the West End.
Jack Lowden, star of hit television series Slow Horses and Olivier Award winner, will reprise his acclaimed performance.
He is joined by Emmy, BAFTA and SAG award-winner Martin Freeman in this fast-paced two-hander.
Directed by Finn den Hertog, The Fifth Step will transfer to @sohoplace in London’s West End for a strictly limited 11-week season, running from May until July. Co-production with Neal Street Productions and Playful Productions.
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