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Owned

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.

Ages 11+. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Second Best - LON [42626]

Second Best

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David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel, *Second Best*, comes to Riverside Studios in an exciting new play starring Asa Butterfield (Netflix’s *Sex Education*) in his stage debut. Book *Second Best* tickets on London Theatre. 

*Second Best* is a play that tells the story of Martin Hill, who almost became a star at ten years old when he narrowly missed playing the role of Harry Potter. Now an adult, Martin’s life has taken a different turn as he’s about to become a father. He struggles to move beyond the imagination of what his life could’ve been. This comedic and heartwarming one-man show explores the road not taken and the moments in life that shape us. 

Asa Butterfield said in a statement, “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.”

The story is based on a real-life story from the *Harry Potter* casting director, who told of a young boy other than Radcliffe who was "terrific and very vulnerable." This casting director's tidbit inspired David Foenkinos to develop a fictional story based on that real-life young boy. 

*Second Best* in London has an excellent creative team, including multi-award-winning playwright and novelist Barney Norris, who adapted the novel for the stage. Former Donmar Warehouse artistic director Michael Longhurst is the show’s director, and Fly Davis (*Paranormal Activity, The Human Body*) designed the set and costumes. 

“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,” said Producer Simon Friend. “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 - LON - LondonTheatre

David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel, *Second Best*, comes to Riverside Studios in an exciting new play starring Asa Butterfield (Netflix’s *Sex Education*) in his stage debut. The comedic and heartwarming play explores ‘what ifs’ and the road not taken. 


Multi-award-winning playwright and novelist Barney Norris has adapted *Second Best* in London for the stage. Second Best in London has an expert creative team that includes director Michael Longhurst, the former Donmar Warehouse artistic director, set and costume designer Fly Davis (*Paranormal Activity, The Human Body*), and producer Simon Friend Entertainment. 

As Simon Friend 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.”

## What to watch for 

- The premise of David Foenkinos' book was based on a real-life story from the *Harry Potter* casting director who told of a young boy other than Radcliffe who was "terrific and very vulnerable."
- Asa Butterfield is a decorated television actor earning the Outstanding Comedy Actor award at the National Comedy Awards for his role in *Sex Education*. 
- [The Telegraph's review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/review-second-best-david-foenkinos/) of the novel said, "As Foenkinos writes, "life has a funny way of working out," through the twists and turns of happenstance. In a society where we often only discuss failure as a precursor to success – those, such as JK Rowling, who fail once to fail better – Second Best says something more hopeful: that to be ordinary is a success of its own." 
- Barney Norris, who adapted the novel, has earned numerous awards, including the 2014 Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright for his play *Visitors*. 

Second Best - LON - Todaytix

David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel, *Second Best*, comes to Riverside Studios in a brand new one-man play starring Asa Butterfield (Netflix’s *Sex Education*) in his stage debut. The play explores the path not taken as it tells the tale of Martin, who, at age 10, almost got the role of Harry Potter. 


Asa Butterfield is starring in *Second Best* at Riverside Theatre until 22 February. 

Butterfield is best known for his roles on Netflix's *Sex Education* and *Enders Game*. 

For his role in *X+Y* (2014), he received a BIFA Award nomination for Best Actor.

Asa Butterfield - LON

Asa Butterfield a

Ulster American - LON 

Ulster American

An Oscar-winning American actor, an English director and a Northern Irish playwright are about to begin rehearsals for a new play — one that could transform each of their careers. But when it turns out that they’re not on the same page, the night threatens to spiral out of control.

Riverside Studios is an iconic contemporary arts venue located on the banks of the River Thames in London. The venue offers a distinctive blend of theatre, film, dance, and visual arts under one roof. Established in the 1930s as a production studio, it has grown into an enigmatic venue featuring three versatile performance spaces, a television studio, and a cinema within its walls. This locale attracts a diverse audience with its wide range of shows and events which include new and international productions, major brand revivals, and festivals. The venue's riverside bar and kitchen offer fantastic views of the River Thames and Hammersmith Bridge, adding to the appeal of an evening at the venue. The Riverside Studios' gallery features exhibitions from leading contemporary artists, providing theatre-goers with a unique visual experience. **Getting to Riverside Studios**: The venue is well-connected to London's transport network. The nearest tube station is Hammersmith, which is served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, District, and Piccadilly lines. From Hammersmith station, the Studios are a short walk away. The venue is also easily accessible by bus, with plenty of services stopping near the venue. If you're driving, it's worth noting that the venue doesn't have a dedicated car park, but there are numerous public car parks in the vicinity.

Riverside Studios - LON

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Riverside Studios

Riverside Studios sits on the former site of a Victorian iron works, which was converted into a film studio in 1933. Many classic films were made there, such as *The Seventh Veil* (1945) starring James Mason and *Father Brown* (1954) with Alec Guinness. 

In 1954, the studio was taken over by BBC Television and became home to many of their most iconic programmes, including *Hancock’s Half Hour* (1957-60) and *Doctor Who* (1964-68). Riverside brings the world to West London, with a dynamic programme of international theatre, dance, visual art, television, comedy and music. 

After five years of redevelopment, the Riverside Studios reopened in 2019 with three studios and a cinema.

Riverside Studios - London Theatre

Riverside Studios, former Victorian iron works and film studio, was taken over by BBC in 1954, hosting iconic shows. Reopened in 2019.

Riverside Studios - TodayTix

Riverside Studios is a multifaceted arts venue in London offering theatre, film and dance. It's located near the Hammersmith tube station.

Asa Butterfield's past shows