Dark comedy hit The Fifth Step to premiere at The Baxter

The West End hit The Fifth Step will receive its South African premiere at the Baxter Studio from 3 to 26 September 2026, following acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2024 and London's West End in 2025.

David Ireland's dark comedy will be directed by award-winning Charmaine Weir-Smith, known for her work on Expelled and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. The two-hander stars Albert Pretorius, a two-time Cape Town Theatre Award winner for best male actor who has previously appeared at The Baxter in Othello and Hedda Gabler, alongside Lyle October, formerly of the Baxter's Fires Burning Company, with credits including Stupid Fucking Bird and Neighbourhood.

The play explores recovery, masculinity, faith and accountability through the lens of Alcoholics Anonymous. Pretorius plays James, a long-sober AA veteran who takes on the mentorship of Luka, a volatile newcomer played by October. As their sessions edge toward the programme's fifth step, which requires a full and honest confession of past wrongs, the line between sponsor and sponsee begins to blur, unearthing secrets that test both men's grip on their own sobriety.

The production has drawn strong reviews internationally. The Daily Mail gave it five stars, describing it as a punishing, boxing-match of a drama. The Financial Times praised its handling of honesty, faith and masculinity, noting how it weaves serious questions together with sharp comic dialogue. London Theatre highlighted its sharp one-liners as keeping the piece funny throughout despite its heavier themes, while Ravensgate called it a chaotic, wit-driven two-hander built around ideas of redemption.

Weir-Smith described the script as extraordinary writing that holds audiences between laughter and shock, offering an unsentimental look at the messiness of seeking redemption, and said she was looking forward to what Pretorius and October would bring to the roles.

The Fifth Step runs at the Baxter Studio from 3 to 26 September 2026, Tuesday to Saturday at 20:00, with a 15:00 matinee on Saturdays. The production carries a 16+ age restriction for mature themes and strong language, and parental guidance is advised.

Bookings are open via Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block bookings, fundraisers or charity enquiries, contact Mark Dobson at mark.dobson@uct.ac.za or 021 680 3972.