A star rating of 5 out of 5.
Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield makes for a stunning stage debut in the one-man play, Second Best.
It might not surprise you that Butterfield appears to be a seasoned performer. Given his long-standing presence on British television since childhood, it’s almost hard to believe this performance marks his stage debut. Truly, it’s remarkable to consider the wealth of untapped talent theatre has missed out on!
In “Second Best,” the story revolves around Martin Hill, a man on the verge of fatherhood, who takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the time when he came close to becoming none other than Harry Potter.
To start off, I must say that the 80-minute stage play is a rollercoaster of emotions. From the get-go, the laughter echoes around the room as we’re drawn into the comedy. But then, unexpectedly, the atmosphere changes as Martin’s inner world is unveiled, and the room quietens down to listen. This pattern continues, moving from laughter to tenderness, to moments of despair, before bringing us back full circle.
In a skillful portrayal, Butterfield masterfully brings Martin to life on stage at Riverside Studios. The close-knit atmosphere of this theater space keeps audiences captivated throughout his performance. Despite making solo scenes appear effortless, it’s important to note that he doesn’t shoulder the entire play by himself.
Under the skillful direction of Michael Longhurst, who was once the artistic director at Donmar Warehouse, the stage and audio elements are expertly manipulated to seamlessly transition the moods within the play.
In a spacious, pristine setting predominantly white, with only a few essential elements, the stage is set – this arrangement ensures your attention remains on Butterfield. Although it doesn’t strive for realism, everything onstage serves a purpose to intensify the feelings portrayed. With sound and lighting cues, spectators find themselves peering into Martin’s mindscape.
Asa Butterfield has a diverse acting background, having portrayed numerous roles throughout his career thus far. His skill as an actor is undeniably impressive, but the character he plays in Second Best might be among his most outstanding performances yet. This 80-minute tale is one you certainly don’t want to pass up.
How to get Second Best tickets
From the 24th of January through the 22nd of February in the year 2025, “Second Best” will be playing at Riverside Studios, qualifying it as Off West End theater. You can reach this location by taking either Kensington (Olympia) or Hammersmith tube station.
Tickets are available at TodayTix and London Theatre Direct and right now you can get if from £33.
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2025-02-04 16:34