National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step

National Theatre Live 2025

The Fifth Step

Written by David Ireland

Directed by Finn den Hertog

Filmed live at SoHo Place, London

Certificate TBC

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland. 

After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend. 

Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End. 

Please note that this screening will be captioned.

Please be aware that Inter Alia contains a sequence of flashing lights, which may affect customers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

Subject to availability, card payments only can be taken on the door.

Our NT Live screenings are a collaboration between LU Arts and Flix, student-run cinema. Flix run the screenings on the night on our behalf.

Exchanges and refunds

Tickets for our NT Live screenings are non-refundable unless the screening is postponed or cancelled.

Parking

Please note that visitors are required to register their vehicle and pay to park on campus. There is a flat evening rate of £1 after 6pm. There are various ways in which you can register and pay (both in advance and on arrival). Parking outside Cope Auditorium is not available to non-permit holders prior to 6pm.

More information on visitor parking

Kiosk

The kiosk in the foyer will be open before the screening starts serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (card payment only).

Accessibility

The Cope Auditorium has step free access and there is an accessible toilet in the main foyer. The auditorium has wheelchair user spaces in the flat floor seating area and is fitted with an induction (hearing) loop. Wheelchair users may bring a carer with them at no extra cost – please select a wheelchair ticket and a wheelchair carer ticket. A wheelchair carer ticket will not be valid on its own.

This screening will be captioned.

If you have any access requirements or anything you would like us to be aware of when running the event, please let us know via the booking form or email LUArts@lboro.ac.uk in advance of booking and we will do our best to accommodate them.

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