REVIEW | Kim’s Convenience, Park Theatre London
Written by Bronagh
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Kim’s Convenience has made its European debut, playing at the Park Theatre until 10th February 2024. The original Toronto-based stage show from 2011 inspired the Netflix show, a homage to immigrants who have made Canada their home and also the country that it is today. I hadn’t even heard of the Netflix show, nor the original play, so I was excited to go in blind as it were, with no preconceptions and nothing to compare it to.
The show gets off to a great start, with us being introduced to Mr Kim (Ins Choi) in his convenience store, humming away to himself. Mr Kim is a hardworking man, supporting his family whilst struggling with changes in the neighbourhood. Choi is fantastic as Mr Kim, tapping into both the comedy elements and serious messages effortlessly. Choi played Mr Kim’s son Jung in the original stage show, as well as writing it, so this is a perfect full circle. Who else could play our patriarch! Choi’s writing is wonderful, mixing very serious messages relating to humanity in with very funny lines that had the audience laughing out loud. A good way to describe Kim’s Convenience is accessible, in that the writing and script explore complex issues and characters but in a fairly straight forward way. No beating about the bush, no making mountains out of molehills. This is welcome, and something that I would really praise Choi for.
We are introduced to Mr Kim’s daughter Janet (Jennifer Kim), born in Canada with no intention of taking over the family business instead wanting to pave her own way in the world. The difference in values between herself and her father are stark; Janet thinks taking over the convenience store would mean she wasn’t successful, despite her father setting up the store to be a success and to ensure his children’s success. Kim’s performance as Janet stands out and demonstrates the difference between doing what you want and forging your own way, and what is expected of you. Janet is often a voice of reason, particularly when her father is making offensive comments towards others.
As well as Mr Kim and Janet we also have a small supporting cast. The role of Jung, Mr Kim’s son, is taken over by Brian Law in a small yet integral role. A troubled character, who closes Kim’s Convenience in a very touching, heartwarming way. Namju Go plays Mr Kim’s wife Umma in a small role, however, when she is on stage she really does command the room. Miles Mitchell plays a selection of roles, from a young man wanting to buy Vaseline and later accused of stealing, to a policeman who it turns out was friends with Jung. The cast may be small but it really is mighty.
The set needs to be spoken about. Designed by Mona Camille, no details are spared in recreating the convenience store. Down to the Lays crisps, energy drinks and chocolate bars, it really was like walking into your local shop and it takes full use of the space in Park Theatre. Jonathan Chan’s lighting brings the set to life, veering between dramatic and softer lighting. A glorious set, and certainly one of my favourites that I’ve seen.
Choi describes Kim’s Convenience as ‘a love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who call Canada their home’ which is very touching and true to his word. The story resonates well with Canadian immigrants, as I found out first-hand from speaking to another audience member, who have memories of hanging out in convenience stores and the ever-changing landscape. This is a wonderful production, a marvellous opportunity to bring an Asian story to a London stage, and hopefully to stages much further afield. If there’s a show to see to help beat any January blues, this is one to see.
Playing at Park Theatre until 10th February 2024.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
