Complete casting has been revealed for the upcoming U.K. premiere of Shucked, set to play London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre May 10-June 14, with an official opening May 20. Jack O'Brien is returning to direct after staging the 2023 Broadway premiere. The musical features a book by Robert Horn and music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.
As previously announced, the U.K. cast will be led by Ben Joyce (Back to the Future) as Beau, Sophie McShera (Downton Abbey) as Maizy, Georgina Onuorah (Hamilton) as Lulu, Monique Ashe-Lamer as Storyteller 1, Keith Ramsay as Peanut, Matthew Seadon-Young as Gordy, and Steven Webb as Storyteller 2.
Newly announced to be joining them are Jonathan Andrew Hume as Grandpa, and an ensemble comprising Taila Halford, Ross Harmon, Claudia Kariuki, Ying Ue Li, Tom Oliver, Gleanne Purcell-Brown, and Toyan Thomas-Browne. Swings Jed Berry, Nathaniel Purnell, Rachel Rawlinson, and Mia Shelbourne will round out the company.
The musical had previously announced a West End bow for 2024 in a Cameron Mackintosh-owned theatre, but that never materialized.
Much of the Broadway creative team will be returning to re-stage the musical, including choreographer Sarah O'Gleby, music supervisor Jason Howland, scenic designer Scott Pask, costume designer Tilly Grimes, lighting designer Japhy Weideman, and sound designer John Shivers. Carol Hancock will design wigs, hair, and makeup from Mia M Neal's Broadway work, and Katy Richardson will serve as musical director. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is presenting in association with Mike Bosner, Jason Owen, AEG Presents/Jay Marciano, and Michael Harrison.
Shucked takes place in an isolated town called Cobb County, which is put into disarray when the local corn crops start dying. The young Maizy must travel to the outside world to find help, and learn something about herself in the process. The Broadway production ran for 327 performances and nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning one for actor Alex Newall who made history as the first non-binary actor to win a Tony.
