Jack Lowden Stars in The Fifth Step, Back at Cinema He Helped Rescue!

Jack Lowden, known for his role in the popular series Slow Horses, recently made a meaningful return to the Edinburgh Filmhouse, a cinema he helped save from closure. The occasion was the premiere of The Fifth Step, a film adaptation of a stage play that has deep personal connections for both Lowden and its writer, David Ireland. Three years ago, Lowden won a Bafta Scotland award for his portrayal of poet Siegfried Sassoon in Benediction. During his acceptance speech, he passionately spoke about the importance of independent cinemas like the Edinburgh Filmhouse, which had closed suddenly after its parent company went into administration. He reminded the audience that without these cinemas, many stories would remain untold and unheard, emphasizing their role in supporting the arts and giving voice to important issues.

On Tuesday night, Lowden returned to the Filmhouse, now as a patron, for the global premiere of The Fifth Step. The play was originally performed in Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow by the National Theatre of Scotland, and the latest version was filmed during a sold-out run in London. The story, written by Glasgow-based David Ireland, features Martin Freeman as a long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous who becomes a sponsor to a newcomer, played by Lowden. Ireland explained that the collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland and National Theatre Live was a unique and exciting opportunity, bringing together talented organizations to create something special. He also revealed that Lowden's character, Luka, is based on his own experiences as a young man in Edinburgh, when he gave up drinking and started attending AA meetings. Ireland replaced his drinking habit with a love for films, often visiting the Filmhouse to watch movies like O Brother Where Art Thou and Billy Elliot.

The play was directed by Finn den Hertog, who was deeply impressed by Ireland's first draft, describing it as unlike anything he had read before. He noted that the audience's response to the play varied depending on where it was performed: in Scotland, Luka was seen as the hero, while in London, the sponsor was viewed more favorably. The Fifth Step is known for its dark humor, which Lowden says is both shocking and funny, making it a memorable experience for audiences. Lowden described his time working on the play as the most wonderful experience he has had on stage. It also marked his first collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland since 2011, when he appeared in Black Watch shortly after graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Last week, Lowden returned to the conservatoire to receive an honorary doctorate, an experience he found both surreal and rewarding, especially as he was able to speak to current students about his journey.

The Fifth Step will be released in cinemas from November 27, presented by Neal Street Productions, Playful Productions, and the National Theatre of Scotland in association with Nica Burns. The film's London premiere was celebrated by Lowden and Freeman, who attended the press night after party dressed in stylish attire. Lowden was also seen on the Bafta Film Awards red carpet this year with Saoirse Ronan, highlighting his continued presence in the film industry. The story of The Fifth Step and Lowden's involvement underscores the importance of independent cinemas in nurturing creative talent and ensuring that diverse stories reach audiences everywhere.