Asa Butterfield’s Stage debut in Harry Potter Story WHAT IF

What does it feel like to be one breath away from stardom—only to watch that chance slip through your fingers? Fans of theatre and film alike will soon find out, as Asa Butterfield makes his long-awaited stage debut in SECOND BEST, a new solo play penned by Barney Norris. Best known to audiences for his role as Otis Milburn in the Netflix phenomenon SEX EDUCATION, Butterfield is set to bring both charm and vulnerability to a story that grapples with the power of near-misses and the relentless tug of “what if?” Premiering at London’s Riverside Studios, SECOND BEST promises a heartfelt and intimate exploration of a life overshadowed by the role that got away.

The One That Didn’t Quite Get Away

The concept driving SECOND BEST is as disarmingly simple as it is affecting. At the age of 10, Martin Hill found himself toe-to-toe with destiny: he was down to the final two contenders to play none other than Harry Potter in what would become one of the biggest film franchises of all time. That dream role, as everyone knows, went to Daniel Radcliffe—and the rest is pop-culture history. Now, the adult Martin sits on the brink of fatherhood, unable to ignore how that brush with fame shaped his life ever since.

Adapted from the best-selling novel by David Foenkinos, the play sets up a bittersweet scenario: what would life look like for the person who narrowly missed out on a global phenomenon? Instead of soaring to iconic heights as J.K. Rowling’s boy wizard, Martin found himself grappling with obscurity, self-doubt, and the nagging spectre of “if only.” For the characters—and for the audience—this provocative premise becomes a lens through which we examine how near-successes can leave a lasting impact on our confidence, relationships, and sense of self.

Asa Butterfield’s Big Leap

Television viewers might know Butterfield for his nuanced portrayal of Otis, the awkward but big-hearted teen in SEX EDUCATION, a role that has garnered him international acclaim. Then there are fans who remember him as a child star in films like Hugo and Ender’s Game, demonstrating that he could handle leading roles at a young age. Yet, stage acting comes with an entirely different set of demands. It requires an immediate connection with the audience, and it offers no chance for a retake if lines are fumbled or emotions don’t land.

In many ways, the solo nature of SECOND BEST amplifies the challenge. Carrying the story from start to finish, alone under the lights, demands a carefully calibrated mix of stamina, timing, and emotional authenticity. Butterfield has never been short on screen presence, but the stage is a realm where even the subtlest gestures can resonate with powerful immediacy. In an official statement, he described the script as “equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking,” and confessed his excitement at bringing Martin Hill’s story to life. It’s a bold statement of confidence that bodes well for this new chapter in his acting career.

Bringing the Legend of Harry Potter into the Mix

Even for those who haven’t read a single page of the Harry Potter series, the cultural reach of the franchise is undeniable. Books, films, theme parks, merchandise, and a global fan community all point to a phenomenon that has shaped not only entertainment but entire childhoods and beyond. By positioning Martin Hill as the boy who nearly became Harry, the play taps into a collective curiosity: how would life be different if the lightning bolt scar had ended up on someone else’s forehead?

On one level, this premise has a dash of comedic absurdity—imagine the alternative timelines spinning off from that single casting choice. Yet, there’s also pathos in the idea that success, fame, or fate can hinge on razor-thin decisions. Audiences may find themselves reflecting on their own near-misses—moments in life when events could have gone in a completely different direction, for better or worse. For Martin, the experience isn’t just an anecdote to impress his friends; it’s an event that shaped his adulthood and coloured his sense of identity.

Barney Norris: The Mind Behind the Script

The script for SECOND BEST is written by Barney Norris, an award-winning playwright known for his evocative portrayals of English life. Norris’s work often focuses on ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations, and that sense of empathetic realness has earned him critical praise on the UK theatre circuit. His plays typically reveal deep emotional intelligence, toggling seamlessly between humour and heartbreak—a balance that’s essential in a story like Martin Hill’s.

In this adaptation of David Foenkinos’ novel, Norris taps into an experience that’s at once singular—how many 10-year-olds get within touching distance of a global movie franchise?—and universal. Nearly everyone carries a “what if” scenario in their back pocket. Whether it’s the job that slipped away, the relationship that never quite took off, or the dream that remained just out of reach, these counterfactuals can weigh heavily on our psyche. By directing attention to Martin’s personal struggle, Norris invites audiences to reflect on the emotional fallout of roads not taken.

The Man Behind the Curtain

Another compelling reason to watch SECOND BEST is the involvement of Michael Longhurst, who will direct this Riverside Studios production. A name well known in British theatre, Longhurst has a string of notable credits, including Constellations—the Nick Payne play that earned widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling. His experience bringing complex and character-driven narratives to the stage suggests he’s more than capable of guiding this one-man play to its full potential.

Collaboration with Fly Davis on set and costume design further enhances the production’s creative heft. Known for imaginative, often minimalist staging choices, Davis has the knack for crafting environments that feel both intimate and expansive. For a solo show, this is critical. Martin’s world needs to convey the scope of his internal anxieties and reflections, even if it’s fundamentally just one person in a spotlight. Through set pieces, subtle visual cues, and possibly even interactive elements, Davis’ design will shape how effectively the show transports us into Martin’s psyche.

From Netflix to Live Theatre

Butterfield’s transition from the Netflix series SEX EDUCATION to a live stage performance raises questions about how streaming stardom translates into theatre. Streaming platforms have enjoyed a surge in popularity, especially among younger audiences, and that has in turn created new celebrities who are closely linked to their on-screen personas. In Butterfield’s case, fans may come expecting the comedic awkwardness they’ve grown to love from Otis, only to discover a very different emotional terrain in Martin Hill’s story.

It’s a testament to theatre’s unique allure that an actor at Butterfield’s level of success would choose this medium to expand his craft. In recent years, data from Theatre Trusts in the UK shows a steady uptick in screen-to-stage transitions, driven by actors seeking the immediacy and emotional challenge that only theatre can provide. This trend also indicates a healthy appetite among audiences to see celebrities live, stepping out from behind the camera lens.

A Father’s Perspective

One crucial element that sets SECOND BEST apart is that Martin Hill isn’t just brooding over a childhood disappointment—he’s about to become a parent. That looming arrival of a new life intensifies the emotional stakes. Parenthood often forces people to reevaluate their own past, questioning which lessons to carry forward and which regrets to let go of. For Martin, approaching fatherhood while grappling with the memory of losing out on a life-altering role becomes doubly poignant.

Does fatherhood offer a chance at redemption, or does it bring fresh anxieties about passing on unfulfilled dreams to the next generation? Norris’s script takes that tension and runs with it, providing a narrative motor that pushes Martin to confront the ghosts of his past even as he prepares to welcome the future. It’s a powerful emotional hook that resonates far beyond the wizarding world references.

A Production Worth Waiting For

The show is set to run from 24 January to 22 February at London’s Riverside Studios, produced by Simon Friend Entertainment. For those intrigued by the premise, the official website—SecondBestPlay.com—offers ticket information and updates. Theatre watchers predict that seats will go quickly, especially given the high-profile nature of Asa Butterfield’s stage debut and the universal appeal of the “almost famous” storyline.

It’s also a welcome addition to the Riverside Studios’ line-up, which has been showcasing more daring and original theatrical work in recent years. The venue has gained a reputation for bridging mainstream and indie productions, making SECOND BEST a fitting piece: it’s anchored by a well-known star, yet the narrative itself is a fresh twist on the tried-and-true “coming of age” formula.

What Makes SECOND BEST Unique?

While many solo shows revolve around personal confessionals or comedic monologues, SECOND BEST straddles different emotional territories. It’s playful in its references to Harry Potter, an undeniably fun “what if” scenario for audiences to chew on. Simultaneously, it delves into weightier subjects, including fatherhood, unachieved dreams, and the personal consequences of near-success.

That tonal mix—half whimsical, half introspective—sets SECOND BEST apart in a theatre landscape often divided between either lighthearted comedies or searing dramas. The success of Norris’s script will hinge on how deftly it handles those shifts in tone, but the premise alone suggests it has plenty to say about how close brushes with fame can shape, haunt, and ultimately transform us.

It’s hard not to root for someone who almost held the keys to the wizarding kingdom, only to watch them go to another child. That sense of empathy is central to why SECOND BEST has piqued such widespread interest. With Asa Butterfield—fresh from his role in SEX EDUCATION and soon appearing in the Netflix thriller OUT OF THE DUST—taking on this stage challenge, anticipation is sky-high.

At its heart, though, the production offers more than star power. It’s a poignant reflection on the roads not taken and the dreams we leave behind. As Martin Hill confronts his past, the audience is prompted to revisit their own “what ifs,” those fleeting moments where life could have soared in a totally different direction. In that sense, theatre once again proves its capacity for collective introspection, bringing us face-to-face with the poignant side of human possibility.

Whether you’re a devotee of the West End, a Netflix binge-watcher, or simply intrigued by stories rooted in personal regret, SECOND BEST is poised to offer an experience that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Sometimes, just missing out on the magic can provide a story even more compelling than if you’d caught it in your hands. And who better to guide us through that emotional maze than Asa Butterfield, stepping out of the screen’s glow and into the limelight of live performance, ready to show us that a nearly magical moment can still cast quite a spell.