Pictured is a scene from “The Fifth Step” which will be shown at the Opera House on Saturday at 1 p.m.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center will present Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden and Emmy and BAFTA Awards-winner Martin Freeman in “The Fifth Step,” the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland, on Saturday at 1 p.m. The National Theatre Live production is part of Arts in the Afternoon at the Opera House.

After years in the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, James (Freeman) becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka (Lowden). The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories, and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.

Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live in London’s West End.

The Daily Mail (UK) gives the production five stars and calls it “raw, excruciating, and often alarmingly funny.”  The Evening Standard says it stars “two actors at the top of their game.” The production runs one hour, 30 minutes with no intermission. It should be considered equivalent to a US-rating of R.

Individual tickets are $15, ($10 students). Tickets may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org. Arts in the Afternoon at the Opera House is sponsored by Dr. James M. & Marcia Merrins.

For this production, the Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.