It has been announced that Asa Butterfield, star of Netflix’s Sex Education, will make his stage debut in the one-man play, Second Best – a fictional story about the boy who came second to play Harry Potter.

Written by Barney Norris, based on David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel and directed by Michael Longhurst, Second Best opens at Riverside Studios next year where it plays a limited four-week run from 24 January - 22 February 2025.

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.

Asa Butterfield says of his first stage role: “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 production will feature set and costume design by Fly Davis.

For more info, please click here.