By TheatreVillage 
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We managed to catch up with Edward Wu from Kim’s Convenience a show on sale right now at Riverside Studios https://www.kimsconvenienceplay.com/book-tickets
How did you decide to approach this role when reading through the script?
When I first read the script, Jung’s story really resonated with me. Here’s a guy who’s trying to find his place in the world, straddling two cultures, and dealing with some heavy family history. I approached it by diving deep into my own experiences as a child of immigrants. There’s this universal struggle of wanting to forge your own path while still honoring your roots. I wanted to bring that authenticity to Jung – the confusion, the rebellion, but also the deep-seated desire to belong.
What did you enjoy the most about working on this project?
The support from the cast and creative team has been incredible. There’s this beautiful synergy where everyone brings their A-game, pushing each other to dig deeper into our characters. What I enjoy most is how we all bring our own experiences to the table, constantly finding new layers in these characters and their relationships. It’s like a daily exploration of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience – but with a lot of laughs along the way. Every day, we’re not just performing; we’re pouring bits of our own stories into these roles, and that’s what makes this project so special.
In what ways does your portrayal of your character differ from the on-screen version?
The Jung I play on stage is a much more troubled version than what you see on TV. There’s a raw intensity to him—a mix of rebellious energy, inner conflict, and this underlying current of unrealized potential that’s hard to shake off. The stage allows us to really dive into the darker corners of Jung’s psyche. He’s grappling with some heavy stuff, and you can feel the weight of his past in every scene. It’s not just about the comedy; there’s a gravity to this version of Jung that I enjoy bringing to life every night.
How was the casting process and what did you feel the director was looking for?
The casting process was intense, to say the least. I had to prepare some hefty scenes and a huge monologue, which was nerve-wracking. Then came the Zoom interview while I was in Paris this summer with both Esther Jun, the director, and Ins Choi, who wrote the play. Ins not only wrote the play but is also playing my father in this run AND played Jung himself when he wrote this 15 years ago. To say that I felt the heat would be an understatement. I think both Esther and Ins were looking for someone who could bring a real sense of maturity and depth to Jung. They wanted an actor who could tap into the heaviness of the role – the kind that only comes from having been through some serious ups and downs in life. It was challenging, but man, was it rewarding when I got the part.
How did the show’s success on CBC and Netflix impact on you?
Kim’s Convenience was this huge phenomenon when it aired in 2016. Funny enough, it was actually my sister Eliza who got me into watching it. So coming into this project, I already had my own set of expectations even before I saw the script. But working with Ins, Esther, and the rest of the cast, I quickly realized we were creating something quite different from the TV show. It’s the same family, sure, but it’s a whole new dynamic. What’s amazing is seeing how the show’s fanbase has carried over to the stage version. We’ve got such loyal fans coming to see us perform, and the feedback has been incredible. It’s like we’re giving them a new lens to view these characters they already love, and that’s pretty special.
Many thanks and all the best!
Tickets available now https://www.kimsconvenienceplay.com/book-tickets
