After critically-acclaimed runs at Park Theatre and Riverside Studios, the hit production Kim’s Convenience is packing up and heading on a UK tour. Taking charge as the new patriarchic figure of the family will be star of the CBC and Netflix adaptation James Yi. As well as being known for Kim’s Convenience, Netflix, he has also been seen in The Interview and Gabby Duran & The Unsittables and has played Appa in previous productions.
Well versed in the complex and shifting family dynamics within the story’s narrative, having been involved in both stage and screen, Yi will explore the growing separation between traditional first-generation immigrant values and those of his second-generation children in this heart-warming tale of the Korean-Canadian family. James Yi comments, Kim’s Convenience has literally changed my life. This play continues to open new doors for me, like getting to go all the way to the UK to tour the show with an amazing cast and production team! I feel like I’m in a dream that I never want to wake up from.
The award-winning play from Ins Choi which inspired the CBC and Netflix’s TV comedy adaptation debuted in 2011 at Toronto Fringe festival, where the play won the Best New Play award and the Patron’s Pick. Kim’s Convenience continues to champion East Asian representation and remains a reflective and universal story that resonates with audiences from any culture. Tackling persistent issues surrounding community, family and intergenerational relationships, this production’s rich tapestry of modern life will now be shared with wider UK audiences.
Producer Adam Blanshay comments, We’re delighted that Kim’s Convenience continues to capture the hearts of its audiences and that people around the United Kingdom will get to experience this universally beautiful story, which embraces family, cultural heritage, and the legacies we leave behind.
Park Theatre’s Artistic Director Jez Bond also comments, I am thrilled that after the success of its sell-out run with us and subsequent transfer to Riverside Studios, Kim’s Convenience will be touring the county – enabling audiences in the regions to enjoy this funny, poignant and entertaining show.
