Kim’s Convenience, Ins Choi’s play that inspired the hit Netflix TV show has returned home to the stage on this UK-wide tour.
Packed with the same gentle, heart-warming comedy that viewers have come to love over the years, it also packs an emotional punch as it charts the relationship between Korean born patriarch Mr. Kim and his family and neighbours. It explores the eternal struggles and sacrifices of immigrant parents, leaving their homes, lives and careers to seek better opportunities for their (often ungrateful) offspring.
There are plenty of laughs to be had at the cultural divide , given all the more resonance due to the global explosion of Korean culture and language. The age-old bitterness between Japan and Korea is exploited to good effect. The linguistic misunderstandings are handled sensitively and with perfectly pitched humour by Choi. The ‘steal or no steal’ scene cleverly unfolds from a seemingly racist start and the ‘popo’ scene is a hoot.
James Yi and Caroline Donica are Appa Kim and his daughter Janet, the chemistry between the pair adds both humour and warmth to the play. They are ably supported by Candace Leung as Omma, Daniel Phung as errant son Jung and Andrew Gichigi in a plethora of supporting roles.
This original version of Kim’s Convenience is a rare gem. It crosses the generational gap and manages to entertain, be insightful and thought-provoking, as well as laugh-out-loud funny. An absolute treat. Catch it if you can as it continues to tour the UK.
5 stars
Kim’s Convenience | UK Tour | Official Tickets
Image: Victoria