Second Best Tickets

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.”