Second Best

Second Best description

So what happens when you narrowly missed the role of a life time as Harry Potter, tottering right on the brink of stardom, but lost out at the final hurdle? That’s what happened to ten year old Martin Hill, and this is his story.

Once balanced right on the glittering edge of one of the world’s best starring roles, down to the final two applicants to play Harry Potter but just missing out, Martin is now an adult. And he’s about to experience one of the biggest adventures life delivers: fatherhood. As he navigates the whirlwind of emotions involved in preparing to be a dad, he keeps being dragged back to the pivotal moment in his past, struggling to move beyond imagining what his life might have been like had he won the part.

About the plot of Second Best

This is Second Best, a poignant yet playful comic exploration of near misses, fate, and the unexpected paths life takes. It talks about the pain of almost touching greatness, and the feelings that break out when our dreams stay frustratingly just out of reach. These are the moments that shape us, making this the perfect play for everyone who wonders about the road not taken, ideal for all of those who wonder if the life we missed out on would really have been as amazing as we imagine.

The creatives

This is the stage debut for Asa Butterfield (Netflix’s Sex Education). The play is written by Barney Norris, based on the French author David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel and directed by Michael Longhurst.

Playing at Riverside Studios

101 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9BN GB (venue info)

Directions