The Fifth Step: A Conversation Beyond Labels
Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden star in The Fifth Step, a two-hander that dives into the messy terrain of addiction, mentorship, and what it means to be a man today. What begins with a provocative line about incels quickly widens into a darkly funny, surprisingly intimate dialogue about shame, honesty, and the desperate need to be understood.
Written by David Ireland and directed by Finn den Hertog, the play follows Luka, a newcomer to Alcoholics Anonymous, and his older sponsor as they navigate the 12-step journey. The exchange is intense, tender, and often brutal, but it never becomes a social lecture. Freeman notes that the incel line in the opening moments is a “bomb”—a way to grab attention—yet the work isn’t reducible to any single label.
Lowden adds that branding the piece around a hot topic risks flattening a drama that is really about people processing shame and seeking connection. The play’s strength, they say, lies in its precise writing and fearless honesty.
From Stage to Screen: A Camera-Friendly Drama
Although The Fifth Step originated on the West End stage, its cinematic release showcases how the production translates to screen. “It’s actually very TV and camera friendly,” Lowden explains, noting that the two-actor dynamic in an open space is perfectly suited to film. Freeman agrees that the visual approach remains unobtrusive, with hidden mics ensuring natural performances without distraction.
Critics praised the show during its West End run, highlighting Lowden’s fearless portrayal of Luka, a young man wrestling with addiction, misogyny, and vulnerability. The Times described his performance as “staggeringly good,” while critics from The I and FT commended the balance of dark humor and serious questions. Freeman’s seasoned presence provides a counterpoint, guiding Luka through moments of candor and conflict.
Masculinity, Fatherhood, and Generational Debate
The discussion surrounding The Fifth Step naturally touches on modern masculinity and fatherhood. Freeman, who shares teenage children with ex-partner Amanda Abbington, speaks candidly about parenting in a world full of mixed messages—messages that can be hopeful and toxic in equal measure. Lowden, who recently welcomed his first child with Saoirse Ronan, reflects on his own experience of becoming a father and how it informs his portrayal of Luka’s insecurity and longing for connection.
Both actors reject the idea that the play is solely about male experience. They describe it as a generational exploration of shame through the relationship between two men at different life stages. Lowden argues that reducing the play to its incel theme risks “pigeonholing” an intricate conversation into a single label, missing the broader human questions at its core.
A Shared Experience: Darkness, Humor, and Truth
Reviews consistently praise The Fifth Step for weaving serious inquiry with sharp, funny dialogue. Freeman emphasizes the balance that makes the piece unique: moments of shocking honesty paired with wit, creating a space where audiences can confront difficult truths without being overwhelmed. “People should leave talking about it, not because they were told what to think, but because they were invited to feel something real,” he says.
As Freeman and Lowden transition the production from stage to cinema, they hope audiences will experience that same communal relief—a “collective sigh” after a powerful part of the show. The film adaptation preserves the intimate two-hander dynamic, allowing viewers to witness a profound exchange between two men navigating addiction, accountability, and the possibilities of finding redemption.
Conclusion: More Than a Label
The Fifth Step offers more than a provocative premise. It is a study in honesty, vulnerability, and the stubborn impulse to connect—even when it hurts. Freeman and Lowden present a compelling case for theatre that challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while also delivering warmth, humor, and humanity.
