Play

Second Best

Booking Info

At ten years old, Martin Hill was on the brink of stardom, down to the final two contenders for the role of Harry Potter but narrowly missing out. Now an adult, Martin is about to embark on the ultimate adventure – fatherhood. As he navigates this whirlwind of emotions, he is pulled back to that pivotal moment in his past as he struggled to move beyond imagining what his life might have been.

Second Best is a playful yet poignant new comedy about fate, near-misses and the winding paths life takes. It explores the ache of almost touching greatness and the humour and hope that come when dreams remain just out of reach. A story about the tender moments that shape us, Second Best is for anyone who has ever wondered about the road not taken, and whether the other life would have been as glittering as it looks.

Starring Asa Butterfield (Netflix’s Sex Education) in his stage debut, written by Barney Norris, based on David Foenkinos’ best-selling novel and directed by Michael Longhurst.

"An exquisitely bittersweet comedy of life's missed opportunities." — Jonathan Coe, on the novel Second Best

Dates
24 Jan - 22 Feb
Venue
Riverside Studios
Tickets From
£40
Running Time
TBC
Age Recommendations
11+
Warnings
Very mild references to trauma and mental illness

VENUE INFORMATION

Riverside Studios

101 Queen Caroline St 101 Queen Caroline St Hammersmith W6 9BN London

Today’s Riverside Studios stand on the former site of a Victorian iron works, which was converted into a film studio in 1933.

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Underground and Train

The District, Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City tube lines all come to Hammersmith Broadway station. On exiting the Broadway via the south exit (by Tesco Metro), pass the Apollo on your left and Riverside is a 3 min walk down to the end of Queen Caroline Street (towards the river).

Plan your journey with TFL

Bus

Buses: 9, 10, 27, 72, 91, 220, 211, 283 and 295. On exiting the Broadway via the south exit (by Tesco Metro), pass the Apollo on your left and Riverside is a 3 min walk down to the end of Queen Caroline Street (towards the river).

FAQS

Yes, the Bar & Kitchen are open Monday - Sunday at the following times:

Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 23:00 (breakfast bites menu served until 12:00; kitchen closes at 21:00)

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 23:00 (brunch menu served until 13:00 on Saturday and Sunday; kitchen closes at 21:00)

For some performances, Riverside Studios will provide a cloakroom service. The cloakroom is located in our atrium, and may require a charge for usage, depending on the show.

During performances and screenings, unless otherwise advised, photography and filming are not permitted. Failure to adhere to this may result in confiscation of any photographic equipment (including mobile phones) and ejection from the performance.

Access information

There are accessible toilets on all floor.

Riverside Studios welcomes assistance dogs, including guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired, medical assistance dogs, and emotional support dogs. Dogs must be professionally trained to behave appropriately within the performance space, and must remain on a leash at all times. Dogs can either accompany you to your seat, or venue staff will willingly look after your dog while you enjoy the event. We can provide water bowls for your dog if required.

Support animals may be admitted by mutual agreement. Out of consideration for other patrons, we ask that patrons make contact with our box office at least 24 hours in advance of visiting our venue so that appropriate consideration can be given.

We appreciate that sometimes people need a break in order to enjoy a show and having the option of a quiet space can be hugely beneficial to someone with autism, learning disabilities, anxiety or those who experience sensory overload. 

Riverside Studios is a busy venue, however, some areas are quieter than others on show nights. If you are feeling uncomfortable or would like to be shown to a quiet space, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist you.

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