Kim’s Convenience is a heart-warming and hilarious drama about a family-run Korean store which inspired a Netlfix sitcom phenomenon. And now it’s in Manchester’s Home arts centre as part of its UK tour.
If you’re already a fan of Ins Choi’s story, you’d probably be hearing the show’s theme in your head as you arrive.
On sitting, and first glimpsing the set, you’re thrilled to be one step closer to seeing your beloved Canadian fun fest. But, very quickly you remember that this is the play on which the Netflix smash hit is based.
So, no opening jingle or fun action shots of a happy Jung riding his bike. Or Umma, Mrs Kim, at the market. But, it does open with Mr Kim, an endearing grump, in his store. Naturally he’s being distracted by his long-time crusade against the great nation of Japan and absolutely anything or anyone associated with it!
Kim’s Convenience is, as it first was, a play that explores the relationships and struggles of a Korean first generation immigrant couple in Toronto, Canada, where they raised their children Jung and Janet.
The generation differences and societal misunderstandings offer a playbook of comedic opportunities for our main characters, which are complemented by the cultural soup of individuals that call Toronto home and visit Kim’s Convenience.
The kids are all grown up and what will be left of Mr Kim’s store that is being sized up by developers?
It’s a fairly short feature, at just under 80 minutes, that encompasses a lot including Janet’s struggle to go her own way while Mr Kim, a proud man, wants what anyone really wants – to be remembered.
Mr Kim, played by charming James YI, manages to help Caroline Donica, as Janet, reconnect with an old crush, and go some way to accepting that she is a professional photographer. It’s an on stage relationship that has been reprised after smash performances in the US.
Janet, who is in her thirties, still helps in the store. She showed her frustration and that she’s feeling underappreciated but in an entertaining way. Supported by characters portrayed by the dexterous Andrew Gigichi, the witty back and forth between Janet and her father saw the pair in some mad capped situations in a short space of time.
Mrs Kim is very floaty and that voice always makes me laugh. It’s like she must have a million things going on underneath it all but is still somehow holding it together. Actress Candace Leung shows off one of Mrs Kim’s humorous layers – that she is sing-songy to the point where you’re not quite sure if she’s trying to fool others or herself.
She, as often is the case when father and son argue, maintains a relationship with Jung. Played by Daniel Phung, he was in trouble alot when he was younger. He no longer speaks to his dad. That’s something Mrs Kim wants to change especially now the future of the store is in question.
Kim’s Convenience is a heartfelt story that I would recommend anybody of any age see. Whilst inspired by the immigrant experience it shows the human experience that applies to families everywhere and those closest to us.
More information on show and UK tour: Website, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok
More information on venue: Home
Main Image: Ricky Williams
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