Interview with Ying Ue Li, Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
This summer’s array of theatrical delights at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre kick off with the London transfer of Shucked. We caught up with Ying Ue Li, who stars in the production, to chat about stepping into the spotlight in this heartwarming musical comedy.
You are starring in the UK premiere of Shucked at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. For those who are not familiar with the story, can you tell us what the show is about?
The show is about Maizy, a young woman from Cobb County, leaving the familiar to search for a purpose in the unknown. Her adventures along the way give her a new perspective on family and love.
Ying Ue, you are part of the Ensemble.Have you been creating a unique character within this role and if so, tell us about them?
I have! My character’s name is Cricket, she is a member of the Cobb County community. She is a specialist in all things yarn related and all of the textile products in Cobb County are proudly made by her. She is very energetic and is easily amused. She is protective of her friends and family, especially when suspicious people like Gordy turn up to endanger the serenity of the community.
What was your first impression of the show when you read the script, and has it changed since you’ve been performing it?
The brilliant book by Robert Horn is deeply funny and it doesn’t take long to realise that within the first read. Since performing it I have discovered so many more nuances that make Shucked not only a funny show, but also a commentary of how humans behave. We all have a set way of life we are comfortable with, but what happens when it stops working, and would we dare to search for more beyond what we know? Needless to say it has inspired me as an actor and human.
READ: Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Review
You are performing the show in the wonderful surroundings of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Do you think this will add to the audience’s experience of the show?
Absolutely! In previous productions on Broadway and in the US tour, Shucked has been indoors. Our production marks the first time in which Shucked is performed outdoors. The sounds of nature truly immerse us into the atmosphere of Cobb County everyday, and I hope that is the case for the audience as well. Our wonderful set designer Scott Pask and Associate Set designer Ben Davies have fine-tuned everything from the rocks to the barn to give the audience a surreal experience of Cobb County.
Shucked features a beautifully curated score. Do you have a favourite song in the musical? And why is that one?
My favourite song is Best Friends. In musical theatre, we rarely get songs that are sung by two female presenting characters about their familial and platonic love for each other. It makes me think of my own sister back home and how beautiful female friendships are. They should be celebrated more in the repertoire of musical theatre!
What’s it like to work with the rest of the Shucked cast, especially given the show's fast-paced and playful energy?
This cast is my favourite cast to ever work with. Everyone is down to clown from day one, and everyone is ready to be vulnerable and honest. The acting choices we give in the show is nothing short of creative and unique. It was prevalent especially during technical rehearsals, when we just started making up songs and dances and giggled with each other in those long hours. It truly felt like I was back in some sort of summer camp and we were having a very delirious sleep over. I have grown so close to these people and I love them dearly.
What audiences will like Shucked?
Everyone! I have not met a single person who didn’t laugh or cry at every little thing we do on stage.
If you could play another character in the show, who would you like to play and why?
Peanut! I love comedy and bold choices, and Peanut has the full reign to do that in the show. Our lovely Keith Ramsay does it brilliantly, and our cover Peanut Toyan Thomas-Browne is just a pure joy to watch. They inspire me so much and I have seen in their interpretation what my version of Peanut could be.
Finally, why should people watch Shucked?
Shucked is the epitome of joy and vulnerability. Considering how bleak the world is right now, we need Shucked to make us believe in humanity again. It is 2 and a half hours of uninterrupted laughter and tears, and an escape to the absurd and silly community that is Cobb County.
Shucked plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 14 June 2025.
