Kim’s Convenience will premiere in the U.K. early next year at the Park Theatre. Written by Ins Choi, the comedy drama has already spawned a Netflix sitcom adaptation of the same name.
The play follows life in a Korean family-run convenience store. First staged at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011, this production will be the first time the play has been seen by audiences outside of Canada and the US. The run will begin January 8, 2024, for a run through February 10, with January 12 serving as opening night.
In this production, Choi, who originally played Mr. Kim's son, will play Mr. Kim, the proud patriarch of the family who grapples with his changing neighborhood and family dynamic.
Choi, whose own experiences growing up in a family-run convenience store inspired the play, said: “My family arrived in Canada in 1975 in search of freedom, with just 200 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.”
The production will be directed by Esther Jun, a member of the original cast. In addition to Choi, the U.K. company will include Namju Go, Jennifer Kim, Brian Law and Miles Mitchell.
In addition to Jun, the creative team will feature set and costume designer Mona Camille, lighting designer Jonathan Chan, sound designer and original music composer Holly Khan, production manager Pete Rickards (for eStage), company stage manager Reuben Bojang, and assistant stage manager Jinwen Chen.
For more information, visit ParkTheatre.co.uk.
