Asa Butterfield will be swapping the serene scenery of Moordale for the chaos of the capital city next year as he takes to the stage for the very first time. Best known for playing the charmingly nerdy Otis Milburn in Netflix’s hit show, Sex Education; Butterfield is heading to Riverside Studios to make his stage debut in a limited four-week run of a brand new one-man play, Second Best.
Written by Barney Norris and based on the best-selling novel by David Foenkinos; Second Best is the fictional story of a boy who was very nearly chosen to play the role of Harry Potter, but narrowly missed out. The play (directed by Michael Longhurst) follows Martin as an adult, navigating fatherhood and imagining how his life could have turned out if not for that near miss.
A playful and poignant comedy about fate and the winding roads that life takes us down; Second Best delves into the disappointment of almost reaching greatness, as well as the hope (and humour) that come when a dream is within touching distance but still just that little bit out of reach.
Asa Butterfield commented: “It’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, a universal tale of ‘what ifs’, and I can’t wait to bring it to life on stage for the very first time.”
Simon Friend, producer, said: “I read David Foenkinos’ wonderful novel when it was published last year, and it immediately cried out to be told on stage. It’s a coming-of-age story of success and failure, love and loss, and fathers and sons – as well as the universal experience of plans going awry. We’re incredibly excited about the incomparable Asa Butterfield making his stage debut in Barney Norris’ wonderfully funny and moving adaptation of the novel, with Michael Longhurst directing. A team of artists who are most definitely not second best.”
Second Best will play at Riverside Studios from just four weeks (January 24 – February 22, 2025) – so be sure to snap up a ticket whilst you can. Find out more and book your tickets here.