Second Best – Riverside Studios
Asa Butterfield is immaculate in Barney Norris' one-man tragicomedy. A mixture of playful and self-deprecating, the play, based on David Foenkino's novel, explores the cumulative impact of childhood trauma. Martin (Butterfield), who is at the brink of fatherhood, becomes troubled by past wounds. He recounts his experiences which all ultimately stem from losing the part of a lifetime - Harry Potter.
Like a gawky, wry man you'd find in a British sitcom, Butterfield prances across the stage. His body moves erratically, finding expression before his words can catch up. The tone is conversational. Casual. But we see his dry wit progressively morph into a gritted teeth-resentment.
The slow build is structured wonderfully. Martin begins half jokingly recounting his story, aware of its r...
