At ten years old, Martin Hill was on the brink of stardom, down to the final two contenders for the role of Harry Potter but narrowly missing out. Now an adult, Martin is about to embark on the ultimate adventure – fatherhood. As he navigates this whirlwind of emotions, he is pulled back to that pivotal moment in his past as he struggled to move beyond imagining what his life might have been.
Second Best is a playful yet poignant new comedy about fate, near-misses and the winding paths life takes. It explores the ache of almost touching greatness and the humour and hope that come when dreams remain just out of reach. A story about the tender moments that shape
us, Second Best is for anyone who has ever wondered about the road not taken, and whether the other life would have been as glittering as it looks.
Starring Asa Butterfield (Netflix’s Sex Education) in his stage debut, written by Barney Norris, based on David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel and directed by Michael Longhurst.
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Captioned: 18 February, 8pm
With perfectly crafted plot-twists that led the audience in-and-out of their comfort zones, Second Best is a piece to be in awe of. The staging and set showcased a model example of direction and not hiding the actors behind an intricate set. Masterfully directed by Michael Longhurst, the play had me gripped from the start - presumably down to having Butterfield on stage even when we're walking in, which is always a plus in my book.
Asa Butterfield has been in many things in his life so far, playing many characters. It’s evident he’s an excellent actor, but Second Best may be one of his greatest performances so far. This is an 80-minute story you don’t want to miss out on.
| 2025 | West End |
West End |
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