We are very excited that The Fifth Step will be heading to cinemas following a sold-out run in the West End, as part of the new season of National Theatre Live, broadcasting theatre to cinemas around the world led by a roster of award-winning talent.

The Fifth Step, written by David Ireland, first opened at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2024 before heading to London’s West End and performing to sell out audiences with Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) and Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the roles of Luka and James. After years in Alcoholics Anonymous, James (Martin Freeman) becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka (Jack Lowden). The play was captured live in the intimate, in-the-round Soho Place.

Jackie Wylie, NTS’s Artistic Director says “We are thrilled that The Fifth Step and National Theatre of Scotland are included in this incredible line up of NT Live. It has been really exciting to celebrate Scottish theatre talent with a sell-out run in the West End, and now we are  looking forward to sharing this incredible show even wider with audiences across Scotland, the UK and beyond. We’re delighted to showcase what National Theatre of Scotland has to offer as we approach our 20th birthday.”

This line-up spans classic revivals and contemporary new works captured from the National Theatre and London’s West End, including the first broadcast from new National Theatre Director IndhuRubasingham's inaugural season. Alongside The Fifth Step being screened there is also Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter in Mrs Warren’s Profession, filmed live from the West End, Hamlet with Olivier Award winning Hiran Abeysekera directed by National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie. These three productions join the previously announced Inter Alia which will broadcast live from the Lyttelton Stage at the National Theatre.

The Fifth Step will be released from 27 November with screenings available at thefifthstep.ntlive.com.

Presented by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions and National Theatre of Scotland in association with Nica Burns.