We round up the reviews for Barney Norris’s adaptation of David Foenkinos’s novel, running at the theatre until the 22nd February.
The Guardian: *** “Making his stage debut, Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield whooshes the action along, moving economically between characters (his switch to playing Martin’s stepfather is all in the shoulders) and exuding a charm that is never ingratiating. Indeed, there is real finesse in his ability to inhabit a man who is in need without seeming needy. Parts of this one-person play could be fortified and fleshed-out, but no one could apply its title to his performance.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “The overall effect is surprisingly rich, a morality tale wrapped in a wizard’s cloak, an unexpected and engrossing chronicle for our times.”
The Standard: *** “Still, what Martin discovers is that you don’t have to be the best to be enough, and for 80 minutes this imperfect play, impressively directed and with a promising debut performance from Butterfield, is more than enough.”
British Theatre Guide: “There are comedy moments and chuckles aplenty during Asa’s performance as he diffidently explains his avoidance of anything that might evoke memories of Harry Potter or even the initials HP. “
The Arts Desk: *** “Butterfield’s electric charisma may not be so much of a surprise, but his ease in dominating Fly Davis’s cruelly expansive, cruelly sparse stage, is certainly less expected.”
Beyond the Joke: “Butterfield is very good in the role after a slightly tentative start. It is ironic that one of the first words he says onstage is “butterflies” as his character talks about being nervous. If Butterfield had any butterflies he didn’t show them.”
Time Out: *** “Things finish a little bit too neatly with Norris’ reflections on how fame restricts freedom feeling trite. The character of Martin’s dedicated partner Sophie needs filling out. But for Butterfield this is a triumph. An actor with less talent would have been exposed by Longhurst’s demanding direction -Butterfield is simply magic.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Longhurst’s pacy direction makes use of all the space, so Martin’s movement almost seems to reflect the restless flow of his mind. Paule Constable’s stark lighting and Richard Hammarton’s subtle sound design occasionally flicker and stutter in the same manner.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Longhurst uses all of these tools meticulously with his direction. Though Butterfield remains alone on stage throughout, occasionally playing both parts of a conversation, the vast stage is always filled with some sort of creation, never running the risk of becoming boring – in fact, it never risks being anything less than completely exhilarating in yet another example of Longhurst’s skill and genius as a director.”
Theatre & Tonic: *** “For me ultimately this production was just somewhat lacking. It needed more life and light especially for a comedy. Perhaps however watching a character grapple with mental health while finding hope and meaning in life was rather the point.”
The Stage: *** “Asa Butterfield is a riveting storyteller in his stage debut, playing a fictional runner-up to Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe.”
The Upcoming: ***** “Hope is not lost in this tightly packed 90-minute run. It’s a treat to watch Martin, in real time, reconcile his past with his future in a true coming-of-age fashion. Second Best is a story with real heart, its core message urging us to just trust in life’s unfolding, even if – or perhaps, especially if – we do so scared.”
The Spy in the Stalls: **** “There’s plenty to think about, but what doesn’t need much contemplation is that this sharply insightful play is rendered a must see by Asa Butterfield’s bold and brilliant performance. “
West End Best Friend: ***** “Second Best is a seamless, interweaving tapestry of storytelling, emphasised with genius use of adaptable props. At the core of the viewing experience is this feeling of being there for somebody and the privilege of being let in.”
Stage to Page: ***** “I enjoyed this well-written and well-acted comedy drama; it’s more than worthy of a watch if you’re able to get a ticket in its very limited run at what is a gorgeous theatre.”
To book tickets visit: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/second-best-134227/