Wed Sep 25 08:56:29 UTC 2024: ## Butterfield Takes the Stage, Fagbenle Launches Indie, and “Masked Singer” Goes Global
**London, UK** – “Sex Education” star Asa Butterfield is stepping onto the stage for the first time, joining the cast of “Second Best” at London’s Riverside Studios. Butterfield will play Martin Hill, a man who narrowly missed out on becoming the next Harry Potter at age 10 and now faces the realities of adulthood – fatherhood. The play, based on David Foenkinos’ novel, promises a humorous and heartfelt exploration of “what ifs.”
Meanwhile, actor Luti Fagbenle has launched his own independent production company, Osun Group, with a focus on high-end scripted and unscripted television. The company has recruited Sheila Nortley, a producer known for her work on Netflix hits like “Supacell” and “Stay Close,” to lead its TV drama slate.
The popular reality singing competition “The Masked Singer” is expanding its global reach, landing in India with a local version in the works. O4 Media, Korea’s MBC, and Arré Studio have joined forces to bring the show to Indian audiences, hoping to capitalize on the country’s passion for music.
In other UK television news, Federation Stories and Soho Studios have made significant hiring announcements. Federation Stories has appointed Beth Warin, former BBC drama commissioning exec, as Head of Development. Warin will oversee development for the company, which is currently working on several high-profile projects across the UK, US, and Europe. Soho Studios, meanwhile, has hired Georgia Wagstaff as SVP Development, marking the company’s first senior appointment.
These announcements highlight a dynamic period for the UK television industry, with emerging talent taking the reins and popular international formats finding new audiences.
First Piper 