Shucked at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Review
Corn Blimey! Cob County residents are driving into the UK for the first time... outdoors!
‘Corn, yes, we said corn!’
The most recent Broadway transfer gracing the UK stage in all its splendour is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Shucked. The story, told from the perspective of Storytellers Monique Ashe-Palmer and Steven Webb, starts on Maizy and Beau’s wedding day in the fictional town of Cob County. It is when all the corn in dependent community suddenly starts dying is the town in desparate need for someone brave, leaving the small town life in search of a solution.
The story is corn-ey, in the best of ways. Although the book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn is not – in itself – particularly intellectually stimulating, it is clever with its quick-witted, dry jokes – and isn’t that exactly what is needed these days? Simple, yet hilarious jokes.
The score and lyrics were written by the Grammy Award-winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. The soundtrack delivers everything from smashing vocals in the showstopping ‘Independently Owned’ (sung in this cast by Georgina Onuorah), to the toe-tapping earworm that is the opening number ‘Corn.’ Though except for a select few, it is worth noting that the soundtrack is not the most memorable, leaving the reviewer hard-pressed to remember most melodies. This being said, the songs deliver everything an audience would and could possibly want in the moment, but perhaps more importantly, they showcase the talents of the star-studded cast.
Having never seen Sophie McShera (of Downton Abbey) grace the live theatre stage – let alone sing, it's difficult not to be a-maize-d; projecting small town innocence, and just as strong yearn for adventure, McShera’s performance demonstrates thorough understanding of character nuances whilst remaining such a light and funny character. Playing opposite McShera is the superb Georgina Onuorah (who most recently starred in Kiss Me Kate) in the role of Lulu, made famous by the one and only Alex Newell across the pond. With some massive shoes to fill, Onuorah took to the stage and took no prisoners. Every word, every note landed with bravado. In the act one showstopper ‘Independently Owned,’ Onuorah smashed every note right out of the literal park, leaving but one word left to be said for every audience member: ‘Woah’.
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Another standout performance which left the amphitheatre in stitches was delivered by Steven Webb as Storyteller 2 - all eyes were fixed from the moment he entered the stage. From awkward glances to hilarious one-liners, it felt as though the part was written for Webb. This word needs to be used with caution and is entirely subjective, but all one can say about his performance is: simply perfect.
The show, being staged at the scenic Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, is unlike any other, in the sense that every performance is very much left to the mercy of the weather. But when one is graced, against all predictions, with a clear blue sky, the stage becomes a superb canvas for Cob County, featuring a fitting large barn designed by Scott Pask. With a thatched roof, Japhy Weideman's lighting peers through the holes, creating a magnificent sunset tableau.
At the end of the day (or sunset, in open air theatre context), is Shucked a groundbreaking musical revelation? Not exactly. But does it deliver belly laughs, vocal brilliance, and a kernel of heartwarming sincerity? Absolutely. It’s a joyful, unapologetically corny romp that knows exactly what it is—and revels in it.
With a stellar cast, sharp comedic timing, and just enough heartfelt charm to balance the absurdity, this production pops with energy from start to finish. If you’re looking for something to butter you up and lift your spirits, this might just be the husk-free, feel-good hit of the summer. After all, sometimes, all we need is a good laugh – and a whole lot of corn.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Shucked plays at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 14 June. Book with London Theatre Direct, or visit the box office website for more show information.
Reviewed by Emma, Freelance Contributor
Tickets and Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were kindly gifted by the press representatives for the venue, with expectation of an honest, non-biased review. All opinions remain those of the writer, without any input or approval from the producers or venue. Standard tickets are available from £15. All Monday performances are capped at £35, with £30 Rush tickets available via the TodayTix app.
♾️ The show is performed with live music throughout at moderate volume (depending on proximity to speakers as the theatre is open air). There are no sudden loud noises of note, and specific sensory content was not recorded by the writer.
Shucked is presented by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, in association with Mike Bosner, Jason Owen, AEG Presents/Jay Marciano, and Michael Harrison.
At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission on purchases you make with London Theatre Direct via our website to support our work as a fully voluntary team.
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