As millions of people across the UK and Ireland prepare to take on the Dry January® challenge, National Theatre Live has announced a perfectly timed cinematic event. On Sunday, 11 January 2026, special screenings of the critically acclaimed play The Fifth Step will hit major cinema chains nationwide, offering a subversively funny and poignant alternative to the pub.
A Powerful Story of Recovery and Connection
Starring Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder), The Fifth Step explores the fragile bond between two men navigating the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous. James (Freeman), a long-term member, becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka (Lowden). What follows is a deeply human story built over black coffees and shared histories—a friendship that is as volatile as it is vital.
Written by David Ireland and directed by Finn den Hertog, the production was filmed live at @sohoplace in London’s West End. While the subject matter is serious, the play is celebrated for its dark wit. With research from Alcohol Change UK showing that 64% of Brits value humor as a vital part of life, this screening provides a way to engage with the themes of sobriety while enjoying a world-class laugh.
Supporting a Dry Start to 2026
With an estimated 17.5 million people participating in Dry January® this year, the campaign aims to shift alcohol out of the spotlight. National Theatre Live is positioning these screenings as a premier "night out" activity that supports new habits for the new year.
The production is presented by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions, and the National Theatre of Scotland. Fans can catch the broadcast at a wide variety of locations, including:
Major Chains: Vue, Odeon, Everyman, and Picturehouse.
Key Regions: Screenings span from London (Picturehouse Central, Vue Islington) and Scotland (Everyman Edinburgh, Odeon Glasgow) to Ireland (Omniplex Cork, Vue Dublin) and Wales (Odeon Cardiff).
To find your nearest cinema and book tickets, visit TheFifthStep.ntlive.com.
