ADAM BLANSHAY PRODUCTIONS AND PARK THEATRE
PRESENT
KIM’S CONVENIENCE
8 JANUARY – 10 FEBRUARY 2024
UK PREMIERE OF THE AWARD-WINNING COMEDY DRAMA
WRITTEN BY AND STARRING INS CHOI
There’s humour and heart in every aisle
Adam Blanshay Productions and Park Theatre kick off the New Year with the UK Premiere of the award-winning original stage play Kim’s Convenience which spawned the beloved hit Netflix sitcom of the same name.
Written by leading playwright, screenwriter and actor Ins Choi, the comedy drama follows the hilarious and heart-warming tale of a Korean family-run convenience store. First staged at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011, this ground-breaking play won many plaudits for its East Asian representation and its rare foregrounding of their characters. This brand-new production at Park Theatre in Park200, will be the first time the play has been seen by audiences outside of Canada and the US.
In a full circle moment, Ins (who played Mr Kim’s son in the original stage play) will star as Mr Kim (Appa) the proud, hardworking patriarch of the family who grapples with his changing neighbourhood and the growing schism between his first-generation immigrant values and those of his second-generation children.
Ins, whose own experiences growing up in a family-run convenience store inspired the play, comments: “My family arrived in Canada in 1975 in search of freedom, with just two hundred dollars, three kids and a lot of hope. My father worked at my uncle’s convenience store by day and went to English speaking language classes by night while my mother took care of me and my two older sisters. This story is my love letter to my parents and to all first generation immigrants who have made the country they have settled in their home.”
On playing the title character, Ins says: “I’m very much looking forward to returning to where it all began 12 years ago. It’s a wonderful journey and it feels great to have finally grown into this role. This play launched my career and continues to provide a great vehicle for Asian actors and shines an important light on representation.”
Esther Jun, who also has a long history with the play, having been cast in the original, returns this time to direct the five strong cast which for the UK production also includes Namju Go, Jennifer Kim, Brian Law and Miles Mitchell.
Esther Jun says: “I have been involved with Kim’s Convenience in some shape or form for nearly 20 years and to finally bring it to London, where I learned my craft as a director is extra meaningful. There is so much love and history in this story. The simple genius of this play is how it continues to resonate for different cultures and ages at different times in people’s lives. It’s a true generational play with so much heart, truth and laughter. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.” See Esther talk about the play here.
Adam Blanshay, the show’s Canadian/UK based producer says: “Kim’s Convenience is a true snapshot of multiculturalism in Canada, and a view into the traditions and heritages that make up the vast tapestry of the Nation. I hope this universal story resonates in the UK and that it will win a new legion of fans on this side of the pond.”
Jez Bond, Artistic Director of Park Theatre adds: ”I’m excited to be staging this comedy drama whose characters so many people are already familiar with through its wildly successful television series. I hope this play, where it all began, resonates with a whole new audience coming to Park Theatre.”
Previous praise for Kim’s Convenience in Canada:
“Choi masterfully hits all of the play’s snappy jokes (he did write them after all!), but what stands out is the humanity in his performance. Appa’s emotional vulnerability can sometimes get lost in the laughter of other productions, but Choi ensures this story’s patriarch has a wonderfully complex inner life. “ Intermission (2023 production
at Grand Theatre, Ontario)
‘Do yourself a favour and see this marvellous show‘ Vancouver Sun 2011
★★★★ ‘A cause for celebration’ Toronto Star 2011
★★★★★ ‘As stomach-hurtingly funny as it is dramatic and moving’ NOW 2011
‘A rich, deep and compelling comedy/drama whose themes of immigration and
disrupted families continue to resonate’ Hartford Courant 2011
Cast:
Ins Choi Appa
Namju Go Umma
Jennifer Kim Janet
Brian Law Jung
Miles Mitchell Rich/Mr Lee/Mike/Alex
Creative Team:
Ins Choi Playwright
Esther Jun Director
Mona Camille Set & Costume Designer
Jonathan Chan Lighting Designer
Holly Khan Sound Designer and Composer
Pete Rickards for eStage Production Manager
Reuben Bojang Company Stage Manager
Jinwen Chen Assistant Stage Manager
Listings Information: PARK 200
Dates: 8 Jan – 10 Feb 2024 (Previews 8 – 10 Jan)
Times: Mon – Sat at 7.30pm (Thu & Sat 3pm matinees)
Tickets: From £15 – £44.50
Booking Link: https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/kims-convenience
Age 14+
Running Time 75 mins approx.
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