Ahead of award winning play Kim’s Convenience treading the boards at the Oxford Playhouse, we talked to actor James Yi about the stage production and what audiences can expect.
Kim’s Convenience returns to the stage following a smash hit Netflix show of the same title. The original play was adapted for TV and ran for five successful seasons. Ins Choi’s story centres around a family-run Korean store, exploring themes of family, tradition, and generational change.
We asked James Yi,
How different is it to portray this character live every night versus performing on set?
It’s definitely more enjoyable and thrilling to do it in front of a live audience. There’s so much energy that is going back and forth with the audience. I also feel way more prepared doing theatre because of the much longer rehearsal process. I do like that you get a lot of takes in front of a camera though!
Live theatre demands a different kind of energy, what challenges did you face adapting your performance for stage?
I think that stage acting is quite fun because you have to stay on your toes. You never know what surprises can happen in the middle of a show whether it’s a fellow actor or myself having a prop malfunction or lines getting screwy or a phone going off or an audience member talking throughout a scene. That can be distracting but the energy in live performances are electric and I love it. But my greatest challenge especially when I first stepped into this role was to not laugh along with the audience because I find the lines funny too but it makes me want to laugh more when I see that the audience gets the humour.
Are there elements of the character you’ve discovered or deepened through this stage version?
As this is my tenth production of doing this play, I constantly find new nuances and layers in the character. I think this play has such strong themes about relationships and family that it makes me reflect on my own parents and children and it helps me understand new things about my character constantly.
Was there anything you wanted to change or emphasise in the stage production?
I think it’s such a gem of a play that I think it’s good to just leave it as is. As an audience member, I always want to see more and wish it was longer. I would also love to see Umma’s character more.
What do you think fans of the tv show will experience differently watching the play?
I think fans will be touched and moved beyond the comedy and be surprised at how real and raw some moments are in the play.
Are there any surprises or new story elements in the play that people should look out for?
The Kim family characters are all ten years older in the play than in the tv series so there is a bit more of a heaviness and less shine on the characters. They’ve been beaten down by life more in the play so there is a feeling of hope lost and a bit more cynicism in them.
What has been the most rewarding part of bringing this role to stage?
I don’t know if there’s one thing that is at the top of the list but I love that someone like Appa, an immigrant man who works behind a counter and is often de-humanized gets to be seen with all of his complexities good and bad but is seen by the audience as a person who they can relate with and someone they can root for. I think there is something so human when audiences can relate with a character like that.
Do you need to have watched the Netflix series to enjoy the play?
Definitely not! But I hope they watch the series after seeing the play so that they can get keep enjoying the Kim family!
Can you give a brief overview of the story for those who have not seen the Netflix show?
The Kim family is a very typical immigrant family struggling to make a new life in Canada while facing the hardships of running a business and the clashing cultural and generational world views between parents and kids. Appa and his son, Jung have been estranged for 15 years and on this particular day, Appa get’s an offer from a real estate agent to buy his store. He is suddenly faced with decisions that he may have put off and is trying to figure out what to do which makes him ask the question, “What is my story?”.
What can audiences expect?
Audiences, if they’ve seen the tv series, can expect the same type of humour but could be surprised by some of the more emotional places the play goes to. If you’ve never seen the series, you will have a very full theatre experience and walk away wanting to connect with loved ones.
What has been the reaction from audiences so far?
This play is pretty special in my opinion because it just touches people beyond the surface and it really shows when I get to interact with audiences after the show and I could see them so visibly moved and impacted by the story.
You’ve said it’s your first time in really exploring the UK – is there anything you particularly want to see/do?
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the UK. It’s really beautiful here with all the very well preserved old buildings and the vast countryside with all the cute sheep. I’m not used to seeing that coming from North America.
A couple of weeks ago during our week off, I got to play golf at St. Andrews – a HUGE bucket list item that got checked off. It was even better than I expected.
I’ve already gotten to see a lot of cities as we are now almost halfway done with our tour. I’m pretty spontaneous so I really like to just explore without making a ton of plans and just soak it all in.
Kim’s Convenience is at the Playhouse from Tuesday, May 13, until Saturday, May 17. Tickets start at £14 and are available at the Box Office on 01865 305305 or to book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Who is James Yi – Theatre Actor & Original Cast Member of Kim’s Convenience
James Yi is a Canadian actor best known for his long-standing involvement in Kim’s Convenience, the beloved Canadian sitcom that began as a stage play before becoming a hit TV series. While most fans of the show recognize Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Appa in the CBC/Netflix adaptation, James Yi originated the role of Appa in multiple stage productions, particularly on tour, bringing the character’s warmth, stubborn charm, and generational perspective to live audiences across Canada.
In the original CBC television series, James Yi played Mr. Kim’s long-time friend Jimmy Young, a recurring character who added subtle humour and neighbourhood depth to the narrative.
Yi’s portrayal of Appa in the theatre is widely respected for staying true to the script’s roots while adding his own nuance. He has been a key figure in keeping the Kim’s Convenience stage legacy alive even after the series concluded.
Aside from Kim’s Convenience, James Yi has worked extensively in Canadian theatre, television, and voiceover projects, often representing stories from the Korean-Canadian and broader Asian diaspora communities. His work continues to spotlight diversity, family, and identity in Canadian storytelling.
