Review of Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – A Kernel of Joy

To say I was excited about seeing Shucked, now playing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, would be an understatement. Alex Newell’s legendary rendition of Independently Owned, which earned them a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor, is high up on my musical theatre playlist. Despite knowing that song extremely well, I had no familiarity with the rest of the show, so I approached it with a touch of trepidation. But I was blown away by the sheer joy and side-splitting comedy of this laugh-a-minute musical.

Shucked tells the story of the residents of Cob County, a time-capsule town hidden away behind walls of corn. Narrated by the hilariously witty storytellers, played by Monique Ashe-Palmer and Steven Webb, we learn that the town’s corn is mysteriously starting to die. The sweet and delightfully ditzy Maizy, played with Anna Faris flair by Sophie McShera, sets off to the bustling metropolis of Tampa to find a cure. There, she meets a podiatrist turned “corn doctor” named Gordy, played by Matthew Seadon-Young, who plots to steal hearts, stones, and ultimately scam his way to fortune. With whisky-fuelled weddings, rowdy bachelor parties, an earful of eccentric locals, and an endless field of corn puns, the town must band together to save their livelihood.

Photo by Pamela Raith

Let’s be honest, this is not a show that’s trying to teach you a profound life lesson. The book, written by Robert Horn, does not concern itself with mystery, intrigue, or unexpected plot twists. But the show doesn’t need any of that to succeed. It has heart and a barnful of laughs. From the moment the narrators take the stage, they launch volley after volley of corny jokes at the audience. These are a constant presence throughout and, while occasionally a bit formulaic "As my [quirky relative] used to say [insert pun here]" they never fail to get a chuckle. The audience hoots, snorts, and giggles all the way through. Shucked knows exactly what it is, and what it is, is fun. Much of this is thanks to the pitch-perfect direction of Jack O’Brien, who also directed the original Broadway production and earned a Tony nomination for his work.

The music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally are charming and tuneful, but not much to write home about. Georgina Onuorah’s rendition of Independently Owned lives up to the high standard set by the original, this was my biggest worry heading into the show, but thankfully it was everything I hoped for and more. Every single cast member is perfect in their role. Truly, I cannot offer a single kernel of criticism. It’s clear how much fun the cast are having on stage, and that joy radiates out into the audience.

Photo by Pamela Raith

The set, designed by Scott Pask, is exquisite. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is the ideal setting for this production. The theatre is adorned with lush greenery, and the natural light filters beautifully through the trees, fading into twilight during the second half. The backdrop of birdsong enhances the atmosphere. The stage itself features a delightfully wonky, warped barn that perfectly transports you into the quirky charm of Cob County.

Overall, I absolutely adored Shucked. I’m disappointed it only has a limited run, but with a show this successful, I’m optimistic about a full West End transfer. It is light, hilarious, heartwarming, and as corny as a county fair and is the perfect antidote for a stressed-out Londoner who breaks into a sweat at the thought of leaving the M25. Get yourself a ticket to Shucked. Any seat at Regent’s Park is a good one. Arrive early, soak up the sun and the scenery, and get ready to have a truly a-maize-ing evening.

Shucked is playing at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 14th June 2025.

Tickets are available at https://openairtheatre.com/production/shucked

Photos by Pamela Raith