Kim's Convenience UK Tour Review
The hit sitcom-to-stage adaptation returns on its first national tour
‘Ding-dong!’
The familiar chime of a store bell marks the start to the Mr. Kim's day, the protagonist of Ins Choi's Canadian five-series sitcom that has now been adapted for the stage, following the life of the Korean-Canadian, first generation immigrant Kim family and their relationship with the store from one generation to the next. Following hit runs at the Park Theatre and Riverside Studios, Choi's play is now given a second life on tour across the UK.
The inherently audience-friendly nature of sitcoms almost always means minimal context is required to understand the story set-up, as is its stage counterpart; it takes place on Mona Camille's wide set - with impressive attention to detail, from racks of cereals and snacks to refrigerator cabinets full of drinks - set against the brink of a Canadian condo redevelopment, of which Mr. Kim's store sits at the heart of, facing the risk of acquisition and permanent loss of ownership to capitalists taking over the area. To the family, Kim's Convenience means more much than a family-owned store stocking some of the best loved Korean eats; it embodies one's heritage and in Kim's case (affectionately referred to by his children Janet and Jung as Appa - Korean for father), the tireless journey he has endured to set his children up for an easier life.
Despite the story being slightly repetitive and cyclical within the 80-minute running time - again, familiar with sitcoms, the cast still manages to inject substantial personality into their respective characters; James Yi brings an endearing leading performance as the family patriarch, often causing ‘innocent’ chemistry as both a shop owner and father figure, some humour of which originates from the traditional family value he instills in Caroline Donica's Janet, Kim's artsy daughter who realises over time her Appa's tough love; Andrew Gichigi (Alex and others) and Candace Leung (Umma) also complements the central dynamic with varied performances, but one of the play's more memorable moments rests in the final scenes between Yi and Daniel Phung (Jung), seeing gradual reconciliation in an initially troubled father-son relationship.
Choi's decision to adapt from screen to stage is respectable, considering the universal message of family and belonging that resonates with audiences regardless of medium and background; yet when moving from a multi-series setup to a condensed version and the challenges that come with this move, there is still room to further explore some of the poignant moments touched on throughout, should the play wish to engage its audience by finding a more consistent rhythm with means other than physical and contextual comedy - albeit much of it exerted from relatable, everyday situations, fall slightly flat with a few repetitions. Still, the heart of the story radiates throughout, with audiences seeing themselves in the various characters presented.
‘What is my story?’
As the play would question through the eyes of Mr. Kim, the experiences of one family passing on its heritage, identity and culture from one generation to the next is not a common stimuli for the stage, which makes Kim's Convenience all the more deserving to be seen by more across the nation - there is a message worth investing in, and the sea of faces from diverse backgrounds willing to connect with the store's story is just the proof for that.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Kim's Convenience is touring across the UK until July. For more information and to book tickets, visit the production website.
Tickets and Accessibility
🎟️ Tickets were kindly gifted by the press representatives for the show, with expectation of an honest, unbiased review. All opinions remain my own, without any input or approval from the producers or venue. Ticket prices and concession schemes vary by venue.
♾️ The sensory aspect of the production is relatively calm. There are no sudden loud noises or flashing lights of note, and lights rise and dim gently at the start and end of each act.