Actors Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden are to star in a play about addiction that has been transferred to the West End.
Slow Horses actor Lowden, 34, will reprise his role as Luka in the production about alcoholism, masculinity, and faith, which was staged in Dundee, Glasgow and at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2024.
The Fifth Step, which has been written by David Ireland and directed by Finn Den Hertog, will also see Bafta award-winning actor Freeman, 53, in the role of James.
Approaching step five, their conversations must turn to confessionals, with Luka’s progress hinging on him opening up about secrets that could lead back to alcohol.
Olivier award-winning actor Lowden said: “To just be in the room again with David and Finn – two dangerously talented individuals – is a gift in itself.
“But to now add Martin to the mix, an actor of black belt level skill and a hero of mine, just tops it.
“I can’t wait for more people to experience The Fifth Step.”
Sherlock actor Freeman added: “I’m really looking forward to performing this brilliantly funny, unsettling, unexpected play.
“David Ireland is something quite special and Jack Lowden is an actor I have tremendous respect for and am looking forward to working with him.”
Ireland said: “I’m really happy that The Fifth Step is coming to the West End.
“Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman are, for my money, two of the best actors in the country so I feel very blessed to have them both in this play.
Scottish actor Lowden has appeared in films including Dunkirk (2017), Calibre (2018) and Mary Queen Of Scots (2018).
Freeman is known for playing Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit film series and won the best supporting actor TV Bafta in 2011 for his role playing Dr John Watson in the BBC series Sherlock.
The production will open at Soho Place in London for a limited 11-week season previewing from May 10 and running until July 26.
Of the tickets available 15% will be priced at £25.
Details about access performances are yet to be confirmed.
