0
0
Following a sold-out hit run at Park Theatre earlier this year, Kim’s Convenience is transferring to
Riverside Studios. Adam Blanshay Productions, in association with Park Theatre, are behind Ins
Choi’s award-winning play, which inspired the CBC and Netflix’s global hit TV comedy adaptation
of the same name. Kim’s Convenience was Ins’ debut play, winning the Best New Play award
and the Patron’s Pick at the 2011 Toronto Fringe festival before touring Canada. It was then
adapted into a TV series of the same name on the CBC and Netflix for 5 seasons.
The hit production welcomes the return of Jennifer Kim (Allegiance) as Janet, Namju Go as
Umma and Miles Mitchell (Salomè, Dido Queen of Carthage and Much Ado About Nothing, RSC;
King Lear, Talawa) who will switch between a variety of comedy characters. Newly cast Edward
Wu (The Diplomat, Netflix) plays prodigal son Jung. Ins Choi, the playwright, actor and
screenwriter, will reprise his star role as storekeeper Mr Kim (Appa), the hardworking patriarch
of the family.
The comedy drama follows the hilarious and heart-warming tale of a Korean family-run
convenience store where Appa grapples with his changing neighbourhood and the growing
schism between his first-generation immigrant values and those of his second-generation
children.
Alongside the production of Kim’s Convenience, a London-wide call out invites family-owned
stores in the capital to come forward to be part of a brand new photography exhibition inspired
by the play and Netflix Comedy series, celebrating their vibrant legacy. Positioned in the
Riverside Studios foyer and entitled Our Store: Your Story, the set of images will be taken by
theatre, live events and portraiture photographer Shona Louise, and will celebrate the character
of the eclectic family businesses and heartfelt success stories of their owners. Submissions can
be made via www.kimsconvenienceplay.com/our-store-your-story
Ins Choi, whose own experiences inspired the play, says: ‘ I’m very excited to return to the UK
with this show. Last time we were by a park, this time we’re by the river. I was pleasantly
surprised that British audiences resonated so much with my play. I can’t wait to share it with a
whole new audience this time, especially with those who couldn’t get a ticket last time.’
Director Esther Jun, who also has a long history with the play, firstly having been cast in the
2011 original production as daughter Janet alongside Ins who played son Jung, returns to direct
the Riverside transfer. She adds: Appa and his family were welcomed with open arms when we
were last here and I look forward to re-opening the store for another legion of theatre loving
customers. Kim’s is a true generational play with so much heart, truth and laughter. It’s such a
gift to see how it continues to resonate for different cultures and ages at different times in
people’s lives.
A Kim’s Convenience-inspired kiosk run by Seoul Plaza, a family-owned chain of Korean food
stores, will also set up shop in the Riverside Studios foyer. The pop-up will bring an authentic
taste of Korea and also Canada with a selection of snacks and drinks as well as kimbap (seaweed
rice rolls) and noodles to theatre-goers.
The Riverside Studios production will precede a triumphant homecoming to Toronto’s acclaimed
Soulpepper Theatre in January 2025 where it premiered. The storyline continues to win many
plaudits for its ground-breaking East Asian representation and rare foregrounding of their
characters and their stories.
Tickets are from £25 available at www.kimsconvenienceplay.com
