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National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step poster
9.0 / 10(1 votes)IMDb20251h 25mUnited Kingdom

National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step

Synopsis

After years in the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The Fifth Step | Official Trailer | National Theatre LiveOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2025-09-24

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Jiangsu Teatre

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

November 27, 2025

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Finn den Hertog
Screenplay & Story
David Ireland
Original Title
National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 25m
Production Studios
National Theatre of Scotland, National Theatre, Playful Productions, Neal Street Productions

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Finn den Hertog

Screenplay & Story

David Ireland

Department Leadership Roster

David Ireland

David Ireland

Writer

Finn den Hertog

Finn den Hertog

Director

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step.

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National Theatre Live

All productions released by National Theatre Live, UK – either done directly by the Royal National Theatre or other UK venues/producers. [**NationalTheatre.org.uk**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk) / [**NTLive.com**](https://www.ntlive.com) / [**NTatHome.com**](https://www.ntathome.com) (for its US equivalent, see [**BroadwayHD**](https://www.tmdb.org/company/103196-broadwayhd) and site [**BroadwayHD.com**](https://www.broadwayhd.com).) Some productions were filmed _solely_ for their paid streaming channel "National Theatre at Home", and were branded without the "National Theatre Live" posters which those that also screened in cinemas typically got posters with. (plus: There was a 2009 BBC TV series entry titled "National Theatre Live" with the first five filmed productions that featured additional commentary, at #280519, but this was deleted by a mod!) ______________________________________________________________________ • **2024.05.09.Thu: Plays 1-100** - [**nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25) _"National Theatre Live broadcast its 100th title, Nye, live from the Olivier stage. Now buckle up as we’re going to take you on a journey through all 100 NT Lives (you heard that right). From our first to our most recent, join us to recount all the incredible plays that have made it from the stage to the screen – with some fun facts thrown in for good measure!"_ ______________________________________________________________________ **What is National Theatre Live (NTL) & National Theatre at Home (NTaH)?** ([**Wikipedia**](https://w.wiki/9grq)) National Theatre Live is an initiative from the National Theatre (formerly "Royal National Theatre") in London, who record their own plays (and also may do/did some live broadcasts to cinemas too) and other non-National Theatre productions from selected indie/West-End theatre plays in London and beyond in the UK (eg. Chichester, et al.). Unless it's a live cinema viewing, typically once the live theatre run has ended these are then shown in cinemas. NTL cinema audiences are able to view play recordings at cinema screenings in the UK and globally (eg. Australia, Taiwan, et al.), with cinema releases either concurrently (or after an initial cinema release) also released on their paid streaming service National Theatre at Home. NTaH launched in 2020 offering access to over 100 productions, with new titles added monthly. All titles include captions, over 90% available with Audio Description, and a selection available in British Sign Language (BSL). Reaching theatre audiences globally, streaming to over 184 countries, a majority of audiences having never visited the National Theatre's South Bank home, and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. 2026 research showed 99% of NTaH's audiences are outside London, with over 60% saying filmed theatre options support wider discoverability and increased overall theatre experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step about?

After years in the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

Who directed National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step?

National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step was directed by Finn den Hertog.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step includes Martin Freeman, Jack Lowden.

When was National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step released and how long is it?

National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 25m.

What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step?

National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.).