Casting has been announced for the UK Premiere of award-winning stage play Kim’s Convenience – which became a hit Netflix sitcom.
The play by Ins Choi is coming to the Park Theatre from January 2024, produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and the Park Theatre.
As already announced, Kim’s Convenience will star Ins Choi as Mr Kim (Appa). As well as writing the drama, Ins played Mr Kim’s son in the original production.
He will be joined on stage by Namju Go, Jennifer Kim, Brian Law and Miles Mitchell.
The play will be directed by Esther Jun, who was cast in the original production, which was first staged at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011. It went on to win many plaudits for its East Asian representation and its rare foregrounding of their characters.
Joining Esther in the creative team are 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) and Jinwen Chen (Assistant Stage Manager).
The comedy drama follows the hilarious and heart-warming tale of a Korean family-run convenience store. The play is centred on 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.
Actor and playwright Ins Choi said in a statement: “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. 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.”
Actor Esther Jun said: “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.
Producer Adam Blanshay said: “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.”
Artistic Director of Park Theatre, Jez Bond, said: ”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.”
Kim’s Convenience runs at the Park Theatre from 8 January to 10 February 2024.
Book tickets to Kim’s Convenience at the Park Theatre in London
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