The Fifth Step Review - A Contemporary Masterpiece
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The relationship between an alcoholic and their sponsor can be both complex and challenging, a subject which is delicately and masterfully explored by David Ireland whose own experiences in Alcoholics Anonymous have aided him in creating a masterpiece.
Starring Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman, The Fifth Step resided at Soho Place between the 10th May and the 26th July after a well received premiere at Edinburgh International Festival (Lowden reprising his role in the West End). From the A-list cast involved and their combined acting prowess the two man play was bound to gain traction. However with this expectation many West End shows can falter or underwhelm, a statement which couldn't be less true of The Fifth Step.
Ireland's play revolves around the encounters between sponsor James (Freeman) and newcomer Luka (Lowden), whose introduction to the AA's 12-step recovery programme proves to be tumultuous for both parties. Through their meetings the audience bear witness to the slow fostering of friendship, no matter how fragile the bond between them may appear.
The two men originally act as each other's antithesis, James a grounding presence to contrast the erratic nature of Luka whose own insecurities are presented through his relationship not only with alcohol but women, pornography and masturbation. However, a gradual decay of trust between the pair sees James divert from his role as a confidant to that of an adversary. Through subtle comments and slight digs the mentor's composed facade begins to crack once confronted with Luka's newfound triumphs spiritually, emotionally and personally.
The key to the play's success is firstly in its writing, Ireland crafting a thoughtful and provocative piece laced with belly-laugh comedy. Whilst both characters are morally complex and deeply flawed, they equally remain sympathetic and innately human even when their actions are evidently deplorable. The controversial topics covered never detract from its hilarious content, nor does it feel as if we're being lectured. Instead the Northern Irish-born playwright is methodical in his approach, challenging the boundaries of what it means to be a sponsor gradually and with confidence in his material.
Ireland not only draws the audience in but consumes them from the very first line - ‘I think I might be an incel’. This declaration captures everything authentic about The Fifth Step, from Luka's sincere yet misguided sense of the world to his unashamed disposition. The play is full of cleverly placed juxtapositions, portraying the complicated nature of addiction.
The timing and delivery is permanently flawless even as the mood of the piece shifts, Lowden and Freeman dominating the stage with their engaging duality. The costume design and sparse set by Milla Clarke aids in allowing the characters to take precedence whilst leaving them entirely exposed. Lowden is dressed in dark grey joggers and a light grey hoodie, whilst Freeman is styled in navy trousers and a button up shirt of a similar colour. The simplicity of their outfits provides a grounded realism whilst exaggerating their difference in age and maturity.
Similarly, the physicality of the performance is aided through Clarke's work, as she provides the pair the space to embody their characters' eccentricities. This can particularly be seen through Luka and his agitation, which manifests in the trembling of a knee or the stretching of his arms, an air of boyish naivety which Lowden has mastered, each nervous action an eye-catcher.
The show cannot be praised without mentioning the talent of the two actors, who both shine in differing respects. Martin Freeman (known for beloved series such as Sherlock, Fargo and The Office) delivers an accomplished performance reminiscent of his earlier works, befuddled looks into the audience evocative of Tim Canterbury's breaking of the fourth wall. Nevertheless, the character's unravelling is what defines Freeman's performance as we bear witness to James’ instability as both a mentor and recovering addict. A man once composed resorts to spitting venom and a notable moment of abrupt violence which brings the production to a standstill - a fight so well choreographed it was visceral. This gradual but shocking change challenges the power granted to authority figures and the opportunity for an abuse of trust (discussed previously through the lens of the church and pedophilia). These moments of hypocrisy further characterise James as a flawed figure, distant from the level-headed role model previous.
Jack Lowden (most known for his role as River Cartwright in hit Apple TV show Slow Horses) is equally impressive in portraying the discomposed Luka, whose unfiltered reflections make him endearing and lethal in equal measure. He walks across the stage with the temperament of a young boy, fiddling with his trousers and flailing his arms in choreographed haphazardness. This childishness extends to many of Luka's views, derogatory remarks regarding women and being gay establishes him as callous in comparison to James. Most would presume the character to be villainous from said description, however through Lowden's delivery and the direction of Finn den Hertog, the recovering addict remains vulnerable and comically inept, characteristics which make him lovable in an unconventional sense.
Ultimately The Fifth Step revolves around moral dilemmas and the ethics of an authority who is willing to cross boundaries. Whether through the discussion of religion and its role on a personal level or the plausibility of redemption, Ireland is a master at depicting moments of isolation and the tools we use to remove ourselves from it. The play ends on a note of optimism following a tense explosion fueled by resentment, yet through this display of ugliness we're provided with the consequences of forgiveness and its necessity in recovery. With a level of unorthodox chemistry seldom achieved between two actors, it is a contemporary masterpiece written with such care it would be difficult not to fall in love.
The Fifth Step will be released in cinemas on November 27 under National Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through the link below.
https://thefifthstep.ntlive.com/
