Aw shucks, this show is corny in all the best ways! Shucked opened in 2022 musical from Salt Lake City. It has finally made its way over to the UK and into the Regent Park Open Air Theatre. Before I talk about Shucked, let me discuss the theatre. Sitting outside in the middle of Regent park, the theatre feels so cozy and familiar (even though I’ve never been there). The atmosphere is great and seems a lot more relaxed than theatres on the West End. It’s definitely an experience as pigeons and other birds often fly around throughout the performance. As I saw the matinee, there was limited lighting that was seen as it was a bright day but this made no difference to the quality of the show. Anyway, let’s talk about this brilliant show.
Shucked is set in Cob County, a town which loved corn so much they surrounded themselves with it: never leaving to see the outside world. One day during a local wedding, the corn starts dying sending all the corn-lovers into a frenzy. Local girl Maizy (named after her grandmother) believes that leaving town may have the answers, much to the disagreement of her partner Beau. Maizy ventures out into the unknown and finds someone who could help, Gordy. Gordy and Maizy return to town to help save the crop. However, Gordy has ulterior motives for his journey. This all ends with a Shakespeare-like love square with lots of comedy and drama.
I’ve known about this show for a very long time and have been eagerly awaiting its premiere in London (booking tickets the day they came out). Even though this is the case, I had little idea of the story or the premises. What sold me on watching the show is the song ‘Independently Owned’ which is sung by Lulu, originally played by Alex Newell. This song is incredible and such a great time, with funny lyrics and brilliant belts. Whilst watching this live, I could feel myself smile with such pride as Georgina Onuorah did just song justice (with a semi standing ovation). I was also aware of ‘I Do’ which is another fantastic song allowing the core characters to sing together. I decided not to spoil any more of the show and I’m so glad I didn’t. The songs are all incredible! Specifically, ‘Corn’, ‘Woman of the World’, ‘OK’ and ‘Somebody Will’ are outstanding musical theatre songs! Definitely songs I can see myself actively searching up when I’m listening to my musical playlist.
The story itself is just so silly and weird but amazingly fun at the same time. It makes no sense, but why should it? All of the characters from Cob County are ridiculous (probably as they have been in solitary confinement between the corn) other than Lulu who is very capable. The set at the theatre is fairly minimal but has fun movable pieces which add flair to the show. As the show is very drama based, an argument could be made that an elaborate set is not needed (similar to Mamma Mia). I would definitely agree with this and at no point I felt the show would’ve benefitted from more set. Whilst it’s available to see, you should definitely watch it! Hopefully it’ll either tour or find a home in the West End!
Max
References:
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre (2025) ‘Shucked’. Available at: https://openairtheatre.com/production/shucked (Accessed: 01/06/2025)
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