Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield lands “hilarious and heartbreaking” new role

As a devoted fan of both the stage and screen, I am absolutely thrilled to witness the extraordinary talent that is Asa Butterfield take on his highly-anticipated stage debut! Having grown up watching Butterfield grace our television screens as the beloved Otis Milburn in Sex Education, it’s truly heartwarming to see him continue to evolve and push boundaries within the world of acting.


Sex Education star Asa Butterfield has landed a “hilarious and heartbreaking” new role.

The performer known for portraying Otis Milburn on the popular Netflix series will be appearing in a solo production titled “Second Best” for the first time on stage.

The play revolves around a character who almost got the role of Harry Potter as a child, according to David Foenkinos’s successful novel. Michael Longhurst is overseeing the production, with Barney Norris responsible for the scriptwriting.

The production titled “Second Best” is set to debut at London’s Riverside Studios in the upcoming year. It will be staged for a brief, four-week period from January 24th through February 22nd.

Tickets are available to purchase now via the show’s official website and London Theatre Direct.

Sex Education's Asa Butterfield lands "hilarious and heartbreaking" new role

When Martin Hill (Butterfield) was just ten years old, he came incredibly close to achieving stardom, making it all the way to the final two candidates for the part of Harry Potter, but ultimately falling just short. This intriguing detail is hinted at in the official synopsis for the play.

Reflecting on my current journey, I find myself readying for the greatest expedition yet – parenthood. The whirlwind of feelings swirling within me is akin to being swept back to that defining moment in my past, when I grappled with imagining what my life might have become.

In a twist of delightfully quirky humor and heartfelt sincerity, I’d say, “I found myself swept away by ‘Second Best,’ a fresh, laugh-out-loud comedy that delves into the intricate dance between fate, near-misses, and the unexpected detours life often takes.

It examines the pain of nearly grasping greatness and the humor and optimism that emerge when aspirations stay slightly beyond one’s grasp.

Sex Education's Asa Butterfield lands "hilarious and heartbreaking" new role

In his statement, Butterfield expressed that the piece is both amusingly funny and tragically touching, telling a story that resonates with everyone as it explores ‘what ifs’. He’s eagerly looking forward to performing it live on stage for the very first time.

Simon Friend, the show’s producer, stated: “I found David Foenkins’s marvelous novel last year, and it felt like it needed to be performed on stage right away. It’s a tale about growing up, triumph and defeat, love and loss, fathers and sons – along with the familiar sensation of plans not going as expected.

We’re absolutely thrilled that Asa Butterfield is set to grace the stage for the first time in Barney Norris’s adaption of the novel, which combines humor and emotion beautifully. Michael Longhurst is leading this exceptional team of artists, a group who can undoubtedly hold their own against any other.

Sex Education's Asa Butterfield lands "hilarious and heartbreaking" new role

Apart from performing on stage, Butterfield has also secured a part in the psychological thriller titled “Out of the Dust“.

The Netflix show chronicles the story of Rosie, a faithful wife and mother, living within a traditional Christian community. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Sam, a fugitive, who ultimately leads her towards liberation and sexual discovery.

Molly Windsor from “Three Girls” will take on the character Rosie, while Fra Fee known for his role in “Hawkeye” will depict Sam. Adam will be played by Butterfield, with Christopher Eccleston of “Doctor Who” and Siobhan Finneran from “Happy Valley” joining the cast as Mr and Mrs Phillips.

Additionally, Butterfield is set to appear in the upcoming film titled “If She Burns“, alongside Victoria Pedretti from the series “You“, Alex Wolff known for his role in “Hereditary“, and Justice Smith, famous for his part in “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves“.

Second Best will run from January 24, 2025 to February 22, 2025 at the Riverside Studios in London.

Read More

2024-09-26 13:48

Previous post Powerful Enemy Sighting: Corrupted Overlord – Pompey