REVIEW - KIM'S CONVENIENCE | HOME MANCHESTER | 09/04/2025

Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning play by Ins Choi that sparked a beloved Netflix series, has returned to its theatrical roots with a fresh UK tour—and it’s bringing a heartfelt reunion along for the ride. James Yi reprises his role as the gruff but lovable patriarch “Appa,” joined by Caroline Donica as his determined daughter, Janet. Having previously performed together in the U.S., the pair bring lived-in authenticity to this stage revival presented by Adam Blanshay Productions and Park Theatre. For fans of the TV series and first-time viewers alike, this is a chance to step into the original corner shop where it all began.

Set in a Toronto convenience store run by Korean immigrants, Kim’s Convenience explores the lives, struggles, and love of the Kim family with warmth and wit. At the heart of the story is Mr Kim—Appa—a proud and often stubborn patriarch who’s built a life for his family through hard work and tradition. His daughter Janet, a young photographer with ambitions beyond the shop, constantly clashes with Appa as they navigate their generational and cultural differences. Their exchanges are equal parts hilarious and heart-breaking, as they both struggle to understand each other’s world.

Alongside this central relationship is the quiet strength of Umma, the family matriarch, and the emotional undercurrent of a long-standing rift between Appa and their estranged son, Jung. As tensions simmer under the surface, the play unfolds in a series of interactions—both everyday and pivotal—that reveal the cracks and connections within the family.

What makes Kim’s Convenience so compelling is its balance of humour and heart. One moment you’re laughing at Appa’s blunt honesty and quirky “steal or no steal” logic, and the next you’re holding your breath as deep emotional truths begin to surface. It’s a story that celebrates the messy, complicated beauty of family life—rooted in specific cultural experiences, yet utterly universal in its appeal

The set is an absolute triumph in realism. HOME’s intimate theatre space becomes a perfectly cluttered corner shop, right down to the cereal boxes and handwritten notices. The shelves are bursting with detail, and the fluorescent shop lights lend an air of authenticity that supports the grounded storytelling. There’s no unnecessary flourish here—just thoughtful design that roots the audience in the daily rhythm of Appa’s world. The lighting design subtly supports mood changes, helping comedic beats shine and emotional moments resonate. Sound is cleverly woven into the action, with the familiar ding of the shop’s entrance bell used to great effect—almost becoming a character in itself.

James Yi delivers a standout performance as Appa. His timing is razor-sharp, effortlessly balancing dry wit with unexpected flashes of vulnerability. He draws huge laughs with his blunt customer interactions and ‘Steal or No Steal’ philosophy, but also quiet empathy when confronting family pain. Caroline Donica’s Janet is equally strong—fiery, funny, and refreshingly grounded. Their scenes together are the beating heart of the show, shifting between awkward comedy and raw tension with impressive ease.

Candace Leung as Umma is a gentle presence, often speaking in Korean but never losing the audience—her facial expressions and body language do all the work. Daniel Phung gives a strong, if underwritten, turn as Jung, though his story arc feels slightly rushed. Andrew Gichigi impresses in multiple supporting roles, switching characters with fluidity and injecting warmth and humour into each one.

Kim’s Convenience is a warm, witty and touching family drama that captures the complexity of love, culture, and identity. While some characters—particularly Umma and Jung—could have used more depth and stage time, the core relationship between Appa and Janet is so compelling it carries the piece beautifully. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Netflix series or totally new to the Kim family, this production offers a funny and heartfelt window into their world.

It’s like stepping into your local shop—familiar, comforting, and full of stories worth hearing.

Kim’s Convenience is at Home until Saturday 12th April 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

Click Me

If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

Click Me

Photo Credit - Victoria Davies

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review