The Fifth Step at Sydney Theatre Company tickets
About The Fifth Step
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
This darkly hilarious two-hander about a young man and his Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor stars Erik Thomson (Aftertaste, Packed to the Rafters) and Ashan Kumar (Amber, Daytime Deewane) in the Australian premiere production of the West End runaway success.
Director Kenneth Moraleda (4000 Miles) skilfully excavates the faultlines that appear after Luka (Kumar) asks the older James (Thomson) to sponsor him. James starts preparing Luka for the fifth step, the confessional stage in the AA program, but rigorous honesty is harder than it looks, and James has secrets of his own.
James counsels Luka against hanging out with his old friends, and the younger man begins smarting at the control James exerts over his life and relationships. For his part, James is surprised to discover that Luka has undergone a religious conversion and thinks he bumped into Jesus in the gym. Or was it Willem Dafoe? As trust falters and resentment mounts, the men inch ever closer to outright war.
As entertaining as it is acute about power and authority, The Fifth Step is "taut, funny and richly compassionate" (Financial Times).
Run time
1hr 40min. No Interval.
Categories
Start date
31st July, 2027
End date
19th September, 2027
Venue
Wharf 1 Theatre - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
Accessibility
Wharf 1 Theatre is on Level 2 of The Wharf. Level access is available via the lift at the end of The Wharf, providing the most direct route from ground level to the theatre. Door 3 offers direct level access for patrons seated in A Row by request. Please contact the Sydney Theatre Company Box Office at least 24 hours in advance on (02) 9250 1777 or boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au.
Directions
BY BUS: Bus routes 324 and 325 stop directly outside The Wharf Theatres.
BY METRO: The new Barangaroo Metro station has made it easier than ever, and is just an 8-minute walk from the Wharf Theatres.
BY TRAIN OR FERRY: The Wharf Theatres are a brisk 15 minute walk from both Circular Quay and Wynyard stations.
BY CAR: Limited on-street parking is available outside The Wharf and Roslyn Packer Theatre on Hickson Road. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance starting time as it can take more than 10 minutes to park, get to the theatre and be seated in time.
More information about The Fifth Step
"Bristling with playwright David Ireland's signature style of knotty provocation and ribald comedy" – The Guardian
Director: Kenneth Moraleda
Writer: David Ireland
Designer: Hailley Hunt
Lighting Designer: BROCKMAN
Composer & Sound Designer: Sam Cheng
With: Ashan Kumar, Erik Thomson
Frequently asked questions
What is the running time of The Fifth Step?
The Fifth Step runs for 1hr 40min. No Interval.
Which theatre is The Fifth Step at?
The Fifth Step is at Walsh Bay's Wharf 1 Theatre - Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, which is located at Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, 2000.
How do you get tickets for The Fifth Step?
Check the top of this page for current availability on The Fifth Step tickets on TodayTix.
How long is The Fifth Step on for?
Tickets for The Fifth Step are available through 19 September 2027 — check the calendar for the latest availability.
Is The Fifth Step accessible?
Wharf 1 Theatre is on Level 2 of The Wharf. Level access is available via the lift at the end of The Wharf, providing the most direct route from ground level to the theatre. Door 3 offers direct level access for patrons seated in A Row by request. Please contact the Sydney Theatre Company Box Office at least 24 hours in advance on (02) 9250 1777 or boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au.
