Sex Education star Asa Butterfield is to take on his first ever stage role, in a new one-man play inspired by Harry Potter. Second Best will tell the fictional story of a boy who narrowly missed out on playing the young wizard in the film series, and the impact it has on him later in life. The play will mark Butterfield's first ever theatre role, following a screen career which has included The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and X+Y.
In a statement, Butterfield described Second Best as "equal parts hilarious and heart-breaking, a universal tale of ‘what ifs’." He added: "I can’t wait to bring it to life on stage for the very first time.” The show will play at Hammersmith's Riverside Studios for a month from 24 January 2025.
Second Best follows the fictional Martin Hill, who was 10 years old when he became one of the final two contenders to play Harry Potter. But despite being within touching distance of a role which could have changed his life, he was ultimately beaten by Daniel Radcliffe. Second Best explores the impact missing out on instant stardom has on Hill in later life.
Now an adult and about to be a father, Hill navigates his emotions as he is reminded of the pivotal moment in his past he struggled to get over. The show is not connected to the official Harry Potter series or endorsed by author JK Rowling. In her review of the novel last year, the Telegraph's Catherine Lough noted: "It’s all a playful blend of fiction and fact: just as Martin is never entirely s.