The Fifth Step arrives at The Baxter after acclaimed West End run

Following an acclaimed run in London’s West End, David Ireland’s darkly comic and emotionally charged The Fifth Step has arrived in South Africa for its exclusive premiere.

Running at The Baxter Studio until 26 September 2026, the two-hander stars multi-award-winning actor Albert Pretorius alongside rising Cape Town performer Lyle October.

Directed by award-winning theatre-maker Charmaine Weir-Smith, whose credits include Expelled and The Beauty Queen of Leenane, the production explores recovery, masculinity, faith, accountability and the secrets people carry.

What is The Fifth Step about?

Set in the world of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Fifth Step follows James, played by Pretorius, a long-time AA member who agrees to sponsor volatile newcomer Luka, played by October.

As Luka prepares to undertake the programme’s pivotal fifth step, confessing past wrongs openly to another person, the relationship between the two men becomes increasingly fraught.

Secrets, trauma and uncomfortable truths begin to surface, blurring the line between mentor and mentee.

Ireland’s dialogue combines dark humour with emotional vulnerability as the story examines trust, redemption and recovery.

The Fifth Step first premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2024 before transferring to London’s West End in 2025.

Albert Pretorius takes on James

Pretorius, originally from Volksrust in Mpumalanga, knew from the age of 11 that he wanted to become an actor.

After studying Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town, where he graduated in 2008, he made his professional debut in Jaco Bouwer’s #Untitled.

His theatre credits since then have included Playland, Die Seemeeu, The Promise, Othello, Hedda Gabler and the multi-award-winning Ek is nie Danie.

Pretorius is also a familiar face on screen, having appeared in films including Johnny is nie Dood nie, Griekwastad and Stiekyt, as well as television productions Buurtwag, Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, Niggies, Spinners and Die Kantoor.

His accolades include three Fleur du Cap Awards, two Silwerskerm Awards, two Kannas and two Fiëstas.

Lyle October steps into the role of Luka

October is a UCT Theatre and Performance graduate and a member of The Baxter’s Fires Burning Company.

His stage credits include Sophiatown, Women of Owu, Hold Still, The Rangers, Of Loss: Handle with Care, Othello, Trouble in Mind, Metamorphoses and Stupid Fucking Bird.

He has also appeared on screen in Die Blokke, Arendsvlei and Hier Na.

Together, Pretorius and October bring the two central characters to the stage for the production’s exclusive South African premiere.

How to see The Fifth Step in Cape Town

The Fifth Step runs at The Baxter Studio until 26 September 2026.

Tickets are available through Webtickets online and at Pick n Pay stores.

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