The Fifth Step

After years in the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, James (Yulian Vergov) becomes a mentor to newcomer Luka (Boyko Krastanov). As they share similar life experiences, the two gradually grow closer. But when the time comes for the Fifth Step—the confession—dangerous truths begin to surface, threatening their fragile friendship.

The Fifth Step is a bold, gripping and irresistibly funny new comedy by David Ireland, which became one of the biggest hits in the UK in 2025.

Director Vesela Vasileva on the production:

The hardest of the 12 steps in the Alcoholics Anonymous program is the Fifth Step: admitting the truth. A new member joins the program—young Luka. He must choose his personal guide, a mentor with whom he will complete all 12 steps on the path to lasting recovery.

Luka chooses James as his mentor, but in doing so he chooses an extraordinary, mysterious and perceptive guide. Two men with the same problem—alcohol—and opposites in every other respect are confronted with a question far more dangerous than alcohol: who and what controls our lives, and how far can we go in interfering in someone else’s?

The trust between them rests on a delicate balance. The two are evenly matched, and the stakes keep rising as they approach the Fifth Step. Is this therapy or a fight for survival? Do we choose our most terrifying enemies ourselves—and are we the ones who raise them?

This explosive comedy, with its subtle humor, daring dialogue on the brink of decency and candor that has long since crossed that line, is brought to life through the impeccable mathematical logic of David Ireland’s dramaturgy.

Written by: David Ireland

Cast: Boyko Krastanov, Yulian Vergov

Translation: Radoslav Petkashev

Director: Vesela Vasileva

Set design: Elena Ivanova

Costumes: Elena Ivanova

Music: Rosen Zahariev

Choreography: Filip Milanov

Visuals / poster: Teodora Simova

Photography: Ivan Donchev