PRESS: Punchy dark comedy, THE FIFTH STEP, set for South African premiere at The Baxter in September

Baxter Theatre Centre

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Following its acclaimed run in London's West End, David Ireland's dark comedy, THE FIFTH STEP, makes its exclusive South African premiere at the Baxter Studio from 3 to 26 September 2026 with an all South African team. Renowned for his punchy dialogue, playwright David Ireland delivers a script that masterfully balances uncomfortable dark humour with moments of shattering vulnerability.

Photo by Mark Dobson.

THE FIFTH STEP first premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2024, then transferred to London’s West End in 2025. Under the direction of award-winning visionary Charmaine Weir-Smith (Expelled, The Beauty Queen of Leenane), this gripping two-hander stars multi-award-winning actor, Albert Pretorius and Lyle October for this South African staging.

THE FIFTH STEP shines the spotlight on the gruelling, deeply human process of recovery, viewing themes of masculinity, faith and accountability through the framework of Alcoholics Anonymous. The narrative follows James, played by Pretorius, an AA veteran who has managed to stay clean for years, as he takes on the responsibility of mentoring a volatile newcomer named Luka, with October in the role.

What begins as a standard mentorship, quickly evolves into a complex psychological chess match. As Luka edges closer to the programme’s pivotal fifth step - which demands a total, unvarnished confession of past wrongs to another person - the boundaries between sponsor and sponsee begin to blur. Hidden secrets and deep-seated traumas come to light, forcing both men to confront the fragile nature of their own sobriety.

Pretorius was seen at The Baxter in Othello and Hedda Gabler and has won the Cape Town Theatre Award’s best male actor award for the second year in a row. October was part of the Baxter’s Fires Burning Company, with roles in Stupid Fucking Bird and Neighbourhood. Together, they anchor a story that is as fiercely funny as it is emotionally devastating.

Photo by Mark Dobson.

The production's original London staging has been widely acclaimed by critics for its fearless writing, emotional depth and razor-sharp humour: The Daily Mail hailed it as "a ruthless boxing match of a drama," awarding it five stars and praising its "raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny" subject matter. The Financial Times described it as "a candid, compassionate examination of honesty, faith and masculinity," noting that "the play dances to and fro, interweaving serious questions with crisply funny dialogue and combining the absurd with the profound. London Theatre observed that although it tackles serious themes, its "scorching one-liners" ensure it remains "surprisingly funny at every turn." Ravensgate said it was "a sharp, chaotic AA two-hander that juggles redemption and rabbit gags with wit [and] energy," highlighting its compelling theatricality.

"This is an extraordinary piece of writing that keeps the audience suspended between a laugh and a gasp," says director Charmaine Weir-Smith. “It provides a rare, unsentimental look at the messy reality of seeking redemption. Having Albert and Lyle bring these complex characters to life is going to make for unforgettable theatre."

The South African staging of THE FIFTH STEP runs at The Baxter Studio from 3 to 26 September 2026, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 20:00, with Saturday matinees at 15:00. There is an age restriction of 16+ due to mature themes and strong language and parental guidance is advised. Booking is now open via Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block bookings, fundraisers and charities, email Mark Dobson at mark.dobson@uct.ac.za.