This might be a play about being “Second Best” in almost everything in Martin Hill’s life. But it couldn’t be further from the truth in this surprisingly magnificent story which offers more than what it is billed as, a comedy. Barney’s Norris’s one man, one act play is based on David Foenkinos, best-selling novel of the same name, Second Best. We follow the turbulent life and rapid thoughts of Martin, the boy who lived…in the shadow of Daniel Radcliffe and the internationally adored franchise Harry Potter. However, do not be deceived, this story is about much more than that; dissecting themes such as rejection but we also explore the effects of trauma, loss and abuse on children.

Norris’s writing is three-dimensional, it at times felt clunky, but the brilliance of this piece is the fine line it dangles between self-deprecation and humour. This succeeds due to Norris’s quick witted dialogue Martin has within himself and with important people in his life, whether they be a good or bad relationship – it never felt forced.

Norris’s text is bought to life by Michael Longhurst who directs the piece within Fly Davis’s bright white staging, which is extremely effective in grabbing the attention of its audience. At the beginning the vast stage makes Asa Butterfield look small, yet with Longhurst’s choice of using different areas of the stage for key moments in Martin’s life – it doesn’t take long for Asa to own every inch of the stage. The use of induvial areas to focus on specific moments helps to hone in the at times chaotic narrative. Longhurst’s fast-paced direction felt fitting to the piece as it resembles the restlessness of Martin’s mind. Davis’s decision to use an almost clinically white backdrop sets an ambiguous setting, which allows the audience to envision where Martin is, in this moment of his life. For me, paired with Longhurst’s pacy direction, it felt like a therapy session in which we the audience were his therapist trying to piece together his episodic memories.

Asa Butterfield known for Sex Education makes a very strong stage debut and cementing the fact that he is indeed a great actor. He manages to keep up with the fast-paced material and direction, never loosing energy during the impressive 90-minute run (straight through). Butterfield masterfully embodies the range of emotions and varying ages of Martin and those closest to him throughout his life. A highlight would be his short portrayal of a casting woman, his comedic gestures and shrilled voice was an excellent impression. At times the story felt very close to home, with his own history as a child actor, after been spotted and cast as the lead in the harrowing film ‘The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas’. The pivotal moment came when an image of Asa as a child appeared on a tiny TV screen, cementing the fact that this was a story about a boy, who went from almost having everything to loosing so much and the trauma this caused.

At Riverside Studios, London, until 22 February.

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