Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is set to make waves this summer with the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, Shucked. Under the direction of Drew McOnie, who is embarking on his inaugural season as the theatre's Artistic Director, this vibrant production will run from May 10 to June 14, 2025, promising audiences an unforgettable experience following its successful Broadway run.
Shucked, which features award-winning writing by Robert Horn and music by the Grammy Award-winning duo of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, tells the story of Maizy and Beau, whose upcoming wedding is jeopardized when the corn protecting their small town, Cob County, begins to die. This whimsical yet poignant narrative explores what happens when the community faces turmoil and the lengths its members will go to find solutions beyond their borders.
The cast brimming with talent includes Ben Joyce as Beau, Sophie McShera as Maizy, and Georgina Onuorah as Lulu, with Monique Ashe-Palmer, Matthew Seadon-Young, Keith Ramsay, and Steven Webb rounding out the ensemble. The production, acclaimed for its strong performances, will feature popular songs such as ‘Woman of the World’, ‘Somebody Will’, and ‘Independently Owned’ within its score.
Drew McOnie expressed his excitement about launching his season with Shucked: “After what has without doubt been one of the most thrilling incubation periods of my creative career, I am so proud of the season we are now able to announce. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre offers its own unique opportunity to engage with stories under a shared sky, and my ambition is to honor this legacy.”
This production follows the 2024 season, which saw record-high attendance—all part of the theater's vibrant community engagement efforts. James Pidgeon, the Executive Director, highlighted this success, stating, “We are delighted to now be launching our 2025 season of exhilarating live performance. I am particularly thrilled by our commitment to keeping ticket prices accessible, ensuring our productions reach broader audiences.”
Shucked isn’t the only exciting attraction on the horizon for the park. Following its premiere, the theatre will showcase Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Dream Ballets: A Triple Bill from June 19 to 22, featuring renowned choreographers reimagining classic dream ballets from the stables of Broadway’s greats.
The lineup continues with stage adaptations of well-loved works. The novel Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman will grace the stage, adapted by Dominic Cooke from June 28 to July 26. Following on, audiences will be thrilled by the revival of Lerner & Loewe’s classic, Brigadoon, running from August 2 to September 20.
The summer lineup also embraces family-friendly entertainment, with The Enormous Crocodile returning from August 15 to September 7 for younger audiences. Adapted from Roald Dahl's beloved book, this charming production promises humorous storytelling paired with vibrant visuals and puppetry.
It’s clear the summer of 2025 at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is gearing up to be one of diverse performances, from heartwarming musicals to stunning dancing showcases. McOnie’s vision and the theatre's aspiration to engage audiences with enthralling narratives solidify Regent’s Park as a cornerstone for cultural experiences.
Tickets for Shucked and the 2025 season are now available, and with only five weeks of performances scheduled, eager audiences are encouraged to secure their spots. This season is not just about showcasing stellar performances; it also aims to encourage new creators within the musical theatre world through initiatives like the Theatre Dance Lab, supporting early-career choreographers.
With so much to look forward to, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre invites theatre lovers to join them for the dynamic array of shows planned for 2025, from the innovative Shucked to the timeless beauty of Brigadoon and beyond.