The Fifth Step
The Fifth Step, David Ireland's latest collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland tells a complex story about men, intimacy and our belief systems.
About The Fifth Step
Written by David Ireland Directed by Finn den Hertog
A National Theatre of Scotland production
“The point is to divest yourself of shame… It’s about getting clean.”
Thirty something Luka is new to Alcoholics Anonymous and looking for a sponsor. James is older, has been in the programme for years, surely he’s the perfect person to shepherd the younger man through each of the twelve steps on the road to recovery. Or maybe life just isn’t that simple.
In a programme that requires both of them to come to terms with their past, can Luka and James face their transgressions to find a new way of living?
Featuring Jack Lowden as Luka, The Fifth Step is David Ireland’s grimly comic, provocative new play about men, intimacy and what we choose to put our faith in.
Jack Lowden is an acclaimed Scottish actor. He has two BAFTA nominations, for EE Rising Star in 2020 and Best Supporting Actor for Slow Horses in 2023. He also won an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in Ghosts at The Almeida.
Age recommendation: 16+, contains strong language, violence and adult themes
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh or Edinburgh International Festival
The Merchant Of Venice
The Royal Lyceum presents the Theatre for a New Audience production of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, featuring John Douglas Thompson as Shylock.
READ MORE
An Evening With: Jackie Kay
Poet, dramatist, writer and former Makar, Jackie Kay, joins The Lyceum for an evening exploring her writing and career in aid of the theatre.
READ MORE
Connor Burns - 1994
From one of the most exciting emerging new stars in the UK's live stand-up scene, 1994 is Edinburgh native Connor Burns third solo hour, don't miss him live at the Lyceum Edinburgh!
READ MORE
An Evening With: James Naughtie
Join us for an evening with James Naughtie, in aid of The Lyceum, hosted by our Artistic Director, David Greig.
READ MORE
Jack Dee: Small World
In what is set to be one of the comedy highlights of next year, Jack Dee has announced he'll be bringing his brand new live tour to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in May!
READ MORE
Mhairi Black - Politics Isn’t for Me
Following a sell-out run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mhairi Black will bring her hit show, Politics Isn't for Me, to The Lyceum on Tuesday 20th May!
READ MORE
The Big Comedy Roadshow with Jayde Adams
Presented by Scotland’s original home of live comedy Gilded Balloon, this is the ultimate night out for comedy fans!
READ MORE
The Mountaintop
It’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr’s last night on Earth. This funny, compelling drama imagines the man behind the legend on the eve of his assassination.
READ MORE
Coraline - A Musical
Open the door to a strange and mysterious world and join Coraline as she explores her new home in this exciting new musical based on the bestselling book and cult movie!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival returns from 1st to 24th August 2025 with live performance throughout the city.
READ MORE
Cinderella: A Fairytale
Coming to the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh Christmas 2025, the story we all love that has captivated audiences around the UK: Cinderella!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Close-Up Magic at The Joker & Thief
Experience close-up magic with Tim Licata, one of Scotland’s most entertaining sleight-of-hand artists, at your table in the lovely Joker & Thief pub every Thursday!
READ MORE
Dr. Bonk’s Macarbaret
Scotland's silliest surgeon, Dr. Bonk, is back with his hit SELL-OUT SHOW 'Dr Bonk's Macarbaret', an evening of drag, burlesque, music, comedy, and medical mayhem!
READ MORE
Stand Up Horror
Actor, writer and tour guide Alex Staniforth invents a horror story every night. You decide what the characters do, find and sometimes - yes sometimes - even love!
READ MORE
Varna International Ballet - Romeo and Juliet
From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is unmissable.
READ MORE
Varna International Ballet - Swan Lake
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.
READ MORE
Clown Extravaganza
Catch Phil O'Shea and friends perform ridiculous, experimental clown and comedy in the Banshee Labyrinth Cinema Room on Friday 17th January!
READ MORE
The Astrolo-J Monologues
Featuring original monologues, this show at the Scottish Storytelling Centre is for all the girlies who love Co-Star and can’t afford therapy!
READ MORE
Murder: Staged
Following the success of Crime Viral's sell out UK serial killer tour, Cheish Merryweather will bring Murder: Staged to the Usher Hall on Saturday 18th January!
READ MORE
Varna International Ballet - Nutcracker
This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve.
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links