The Fifth Step, which sees Lowden and Freeman play an alcoholic and his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor who share their experiences and stories over black coffee, will be streamed live on Thursday, October 1 on National Theatre at Home.

Lowden, currently starring as River Cartwright in the latest series of Apple TV’s Slow Horses, said: “I’m incredibly proud of The Fifth Step. Working with David (Ireland), Finn (den Hertog) and the whole team was a gift. 

“And to go on stage each night opposite Martin – one of the most gifted and precise stage actors around – was bliss. 

“It’s a mad, fast, quick-witted beautiful piece and I’m so glad it’s now having its global premiere on National Theatre at Home.

“As an actor I prefer being in a play. To me it’s purely acting onstage, particularly in our play.”

Freeman added: “The Fifth Step was one of the real pleasures of my career thus far.  There is nothing like working on a fantastic play - surprising, moving and very funny - with a director who steers beautifully, knows where the good stuff is and lets you play.

“Jack is just wonderful; my idea of an ideal castmate. Fearless and inventive. I can’t wait for it to reach a new and wider audience through National Theatre at Home.”

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.

Glasgow-based Ireland, who is from Northern Ireland, studied at Glasgow’s Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and starred in Derry Girls. 

Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production, which was filmed live at the intimate in the round at Soho Place Theatre on London's West End.

Originally presented in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2024 by National Theatre of Scotland, The Fifth Step transferred to a sold-out West End run and was captured for the successful cinema release with National Theatre Live in November 2025, ahead of its digital premiere on National Theatre at Home. . 

Matt Risley, Chief Digital Officer, National Theatre said: "Premiering The Fifth Step live on National Theatre at Home is exactly what digital-first theatre should feel like.  It takes a sold-out West End hit, with two extraordinary performances from Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman beyond the stage and to a global audience. It’s a great opportunity to introduce this incredible production to swathes of new audiences, and for existing fans to re-watch at their convenience, too.”

Audiences can join the National Theatre at Home community to share their thoughts with fellow theatre lovers in real time as the premiere streams live. New subscribers can watch via a free trial; returning audiences can subscribe or purchase one-off access to the premiere.

The production is from Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland, in association with Nica Burns.

Neal Street has emerged as one of the UK’s most respected production companies, producing film, television and theatre. 

Founded 2003 by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Caro Newling, it makes distinctive, popular award-winning projects on both sides of the Atlantic. 

TV credits include the upcoming Call the Midwife prequel; Sisters in Arms, Call the Midwife, The Franchise, Britannia, Penny Dreadful, The Hollow Crown as well as films such as Hamnet, 1917 and Revolutionary Road

Rental options for the versions go live at 6:30pm on October 1, a half-hour before the premiere.

The 90-minute production comes with the warning that it contains strong language, comments on religion and sexual themes. 

The Fifth Step is also screening in cinemas worldwide with National Theatre Live. Screenings available at thefifthstep.ntlive.com.