Last night, we attended the press night for “Shucked,” now showing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. A 2022 musical from Robert Horn, with music and lyrics by Brandy Clarke and Shane McAnally, this hilariously corny comedy will have you laughing out loud at the clever writing and expert comedic deliveries from its cast.

Set in the fictional Cob County, nearly newlyweds Maizy and Beau must halt their wedding due to an emergency – the corn in their small community is dying. Maizy dares to venture away from their small town to seek help - the livelihoods of the townspeople depend on it. In the bright lights of the most amazing city Maizy could dream of (Tampa, Florida), she meets a corn doctor and through naive misunderstanding on her part and quick thinking from the debt-dodging con man, Gordy, the two return home together to attempt to solve the mystery of the dying corn.

With an electrifying opening number, the show makes the audience aware - in case in any doubt - that this is a show about corn.

Leading lady, Sophie McShera’s portrayal of Maizy as a sweet and strong-minded woman is perfectly played. McShera brings Maizy to life making her so likeable and somehow relatable that you find yourself rooting for her.

Gordy, our villain with his perfectly corny redemption ark is portrayed by Matthew Seadon-Young. His deliberately unsubtle sleuthing and reckless actions make for a perfect foil to sweet, unassuming Maizy.

The two storytellers, Monique Ashe-Palmer and Steven Webb wear various different hats (literally) as they weave in and out of the show with their high energy moments, comically breaking the fourth and leaving the audience in stiches.

Keith Ramsay’s portrayal of Peanut delivers a slew of comedic, Steve Martin-esque lines that land each time to roaring laughs and applause from the audience. It’s his comedic timing and earnest expression that allows a perfect delivery by which another actor may not have been able to land. One such gem includes: “I remember grandpa’s last words to us: ‘Are you boys still holding that ladder?’”

Whilst impossible to pick out a standout performance as the standard of talent (as usual) was extremely high, it would be remiss of us to not mention Ben Joyce’s (Beau) breathtaking, belting solo “Somebody Will,” reminiscent of an 80’s anthem, and Georgina Onourah’s (Lulu) “Independently Owned,” a sassy number showing off her powerhouse vocals.

Whilst the show in its infancy, it somehow manages to feel like a fresh new story and a beloved classic at the same time.

It's four stars from us with a recommendation to grab your friends, grab your corn and get over to Regent’s Park for a shucking good time.

The show runs til June 14th, get your tickets here.

Theatre Review: Shucked - now showing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

London Grilling: Kaye Smith, Co-Founder of The Zen Project