“provocative … brilliant”
Kate Stratford
5 Stars or non-alcoholic beers
““I think I might be an incel,” Luka (Jack Lowden) expresses worriedly at the beginning of The Fifth Step. It is met by a deadpan response by Martin Freeman’s James, setting the tone for all the following dialogue in David Ireland’s provocative new comedy. Having played in Edinburgh and London, the rest of the world is now able to view this brilliant two-hander through NT Live.
Luka has joined Alcoholics Anonymous and having arrived at the fifth step of the programme, asks the older James to be his sponsor. From this premise, Ireland constantly sets, then subverts, our expectations. Plot twists become something more. On a set (Milla Clarke) which offers nowhere to hide or escape, they two have to go head-to-head. Supressed emotions can only be released on the elevated edge of the square, bare stage. Lizzie Powell’s lighting design is cool and precise.
Both Lowden and Freeman deliver performances which are lessons in acting. Lowden’s Luka begins as volatile and jittery, confused and angry but as the meetings progress over time, Luka’s body calms. He regains control of his thoughts and body, reflecting his personal growth. Inversely, James’ control slips away through the interactions. Freeman’s James becomes less self-assured, less-confident, less considered. It is a perfectly balanced duologue in both performance and writing. Both are master of the incredulous look, the perplexed face, moments of disbelief.
All under the tight guidance of director Finn den Hertog, who has expertly found all the nuances, all the quiet moments and all the suspense in this nifty ninety minutes which not only offers perspectives on addiction but also trust, power, religion and masculinity. The timing is impeccable. As is the filming. The camera work was done by a crew from Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions, and National Theatre of Scotland.
There is a certain feeling of immense satisfaction when all the elements of production come together so faultlessly to create a completely engrossing experience. The writing, acting, directing and design aspects are so harmonious that one cannot imagine how it could possibly be better. Into the mix add the show being filmed and most judiciously edited, London’s West End is thankfully within reach for all of us.
This is the sort of production which becomes a touchstone for future intimate theatre. The Fifth Step will screen in select Australian cinemas from 28 November. Put it in your diary.
5 non-alcoholic beers.
Kate Stratford, On The Screen
