Interview: Ross Harmon on performing in SHUCKED at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Get ready for the ‘corniest’ musical ever! This summer sees the much-anticipated UK premiere of Tony Award-winning comedy musical Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. We spoke with ensemble member Ross Harmon to find out more about this a-maize-ing production.

Can you tell us a bit about Shucked, and why you think UK audiences will love it?

Shucked has it all — a hilarious book, sensational tunes, and an incredible cast. Plus, under all the comedy and chaos, there’s a whole lot of heart and a really important message about connection and understanding each other. Even though the show is set in rural southern America (cornfields rather than castles), UK audiences will totally connect with the humour and the universal message that building bridges — not walls — is always the best way forward. Honestly, if you love to laugh, tap your toes, and maybe have a little happy cry into your programme, this show’s for you.

What's your favourite part of the show to perform?

We’ve got a few big full-company numbers that are pure joy. I absolutely love those moments when we’re all on stage together, bringing the kooky Cob County community to life. There’s something electric about feeling the whole cast moving as one slightly dysfunctional but very loveable family.

You've performed in an open-air theatre before at Kilworth House. What are some of the challenges and highlights of outdoor theatre?

I think the secret is embracing the madness and seeing the challenges as the highlights. Cast, crew, and audience — we’re all battling the elements together: the sun, the downpours, the occasional wasp attack, and, of course, the distant fire engine just as you hit the emotional moment. No two performances are ever the same, and that makes each show feel genuinely one-of-a-kind. It's not glamorous — can’t be a diva with soggy socks and windswept wigs — but it’s so special and creates a real sense of community, which goes hand in hand with a show like Shucked.

You're also a singer-songwriter. What inspires your own music?

For me, every song is like a tiny three-minute story. I love starting somewhere and ending somewhere completely different — taking people on a little journey they didn’t expect. Sometimes I start with a lyric motif, sometimes a melody comes first; I build on that until I have a full song in front of me and I understand what my subconscious is really thinking..! I have a degree in Linguistics - so words are very important to me; making lyrics feel real and accessible but keeping the stakes high is a balancing act, and producing is bit like baking a cake, getting everything balanced and mixed just right. My Spotify library is wildly eclectic — everything from pop to country to Japanese jazz to neo-soul — so I love pulling inspiration from all sorts of places. Music has been part of me for as long as I can remember, and experimenting with textures, rhythms, and harmonies feels fun and instinctive. It’s all about finding the right sonic landscape to match the emotion of the song.

What's next for you after Shucked?

After Shucked, I’m excited to dive back into gig life — singing in beautiful venues around the country — and to get cracking on a few new writing projects that have been rattling around in my brain. Of course, musical theatre has a habit of sneaking up on you just when you think you’ve made plans... so I’m keeping things flexible. Watch this space!

Shucked plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 10 May-14 June, with further info here.