Review: SHUCKED, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
The stunning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is currently the home of the deliciously daft comedy about corn, Shucked.
Under Jack O’Brien’s direction, the absolutely stellar cast deliver quip after quip in this humourous country musical, packed full of heart.
Squarely aimed at fans of puns and clever word play, Shucked follows small town girl Maizy (the warm Sophie McShera) as she leaves her Beau (the talented Ben Joyce), and the shelter of Cob county to find a solution for her town’s dying corn. A very simple plot, used as a vehicle to deliver a plethora of hilarious one-liners.
We are guided through events by the truly outstanding Monique Ashe-Palmer and Steven Webb. Their chemistry and physical comedy help weave the story together and Webb is an absolute joy to watch; his impeccable comic timing means every single line he delivers is laugh-out-loud funny.
The whole ensemble cast have funny bones and the book is smartly written so it’s always clear that Shucked doesn’t take itself too seriously and has its tongue firmly in its cheek. This allows the audience to relax and means all jokes, even the potentially cringeworthy ones, land very well, as the audience laughs with the cast rather than at them. The jokes come thick and fast, with Keith Ramsey as Peanut stealing almost every scene he is in, with his deadpan delivery of some of the funniest lines of the show.
Scott Pasque’s set enhances the beauty of the open air theatre, as a large barn flanked with corn adds depth to the stage, and barrels and ramps are used effectively to bring the set to life.
The music is strong throughout, and you’ll be humming the songs for weeks afterwards. The peak of the show being Lulu’s empowering rendition of ‘Independently Owned’. Frankly, it’s worth going to see the show just to experience Georgina Onuorah’s powerhouse performance of this number.
Shucked is a huge slice of joy which will have you smiling from ear to ear.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier
Shucked plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 14 June, with further info here.
