New College Festival – David Ireland in conversation with Donald Smith

‘The Fifth Step’ is David Ireland’s grimly comic and provocative play about recovery, intimacy and faith. It was produced in 2024 by National Theatre of Scotland, and after a short run, transferred to @sohoplace, where it was produced by Playful Productions and Neal Street, starring Martin Freeman and Jack Lowden. In the play, Luka, newly arrived at Alcoholics Anonymous, is searching for a sponsor, and James, older and long established in the programme, seems the ideal guide through the twelve steps. Ireland’s recent ITV drama ‘Coldwater’ (2025), also explores gripping themes of faith, masculinity, mistrust and secrecy, taking place within a small and intimate Scottish community. The event will be chaired by festival favourite Donald Smith, and the two will speak about the themes, questions and ideas that run throughout all Ireland’s work.

In association with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.

We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive attendee experience. In line with fire safety regulations attendees using a wheelchair must be able to self-transfer to an evac chair in order to safely evacuate the building.

If you have specific accessibility needs or accommodation requests please let us know during registration or contact us in advance by emailing [email protected].

Additional information can be found at Accessibility Information: New College

The event will take place at New College on the Mound. Please access via the glass door through main gated entrance.

New College is very accessible on foot, bike and bus. We would encourage all attendees to consider sustainable travel options to the event. Car parking is not available and limited only to nearby street parking:

Find parking bays – The City of Edinburgh Council

Further information on the venue and travel options can be found at

Travel Options