Kim’s Convenience, now showing at the Oxford Playhouse, is a delightful and humorous tale of family, love, and all its complexities.
We particularly loved the opening scene, reminiscent of Ronnie Barker’s Albert Arkwright in Open All Hours, with Appa singing as he prepared the shop for the day. But while the setting may feel familiar, this story unfolds not in South Yorkshire, but in Toronto, Canada.
Meet the Kim Family
The play quickly introduces us to the Kim family:
- Appa (James Yi) – the sharp, stubborn and loveable father (main image)
- Janet (Caroline Donica) – his independent, artistic daughter
- Umma (Candace Leung) – the calming presence of the household
- Jung (Daniel Phung) – the estranged son with a complicated past
- Andrew Gichigi impressively takes on multiple roles, playing Alex, Rich, Mr Lee and Mike
Although we laughed a lot, this 75-minute production also packed a punch with its emotional depth, touching on generational conflict, the immigrant experience, and the tensions between tradition and modern identity.
Caroline Donica and Daniel Phung’s performance as the siblings offers an emotionally grounded counterpoint to the fast-paced humour. Both are rising stars worth watching in UK theatre.
The Play’s Origins
Originally written by Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience began life as a stage play before being adapted into a hit Canadian television series. Its global popularity stems from its universal themes and ability to find humour and heart in everyday family dynamics.
This Oxford production honours the original’s tone and spirit while bringing a distinctly British resonance to the issues of assimilation, sacrifice and parental expectations.
The play inspired the hit Canadian TV show Kim’s Convenience, available on Netflix UK. Watching it afterward offers a great comparison to the stage version.In the original CBC television series, look out for your tour lead James Yi playing Mr. Kim’s long-time friend Jimmy Young.
Themes of Identity and Sacrifice
We’re given a powerful snapshot of what it means to start again in a new country. In Appa’s case, he gave up a respected career as a teacher in Korea and built a convenience store from scratch, hoping to pass it on to his children.
But both Jung and Janet have other ideas. The friction between generations, between dreams and duty, plays out with emotional honesty and comedic charm.
While set in Toronto, the story’s themes of generational conflict and cultural assimilation will resonate strongly with British audiences, especially within multicultural cities like Oxford, Birmingham or London
Standout Moments and Performances
James Yi’s Appa steals the show with his language quirks, fastidious rules, and hilarious side-comments, particularly his ongoing feud with the “no parking zone” outside the shop. It’s also used cleverly to reintroduce Alex, Janet’s childhood crush.
The shoplifter scene, featuring Appa’s unexpectedly agile Hapkido moves, is a comic highlight.
The pacing is tight, the characters feel authentic, and there’s a satisfying emotional arc, ending on a hopeful note of reconciliation.
Final Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ – “Funny, moving and full of heart.” — Oxfordshire Guardian
Kim’s Convenience is live theatre at its best, funny, tender, and deeply human. Whether you’re a fan of the TV series or discovering the story for the first time, this is a performance that resonates.
It’s a comedy with heart about family, identity and cultural tension. We left the theatre feeling uplifted and entertained. This is a show with broad appeal, heart-warming, politically cheeky, and incredibly relatable.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
★ “Laugh-out-loud funny with heartfelt moments”
★ Perfect for fans of the TV series and newcomers alike
★ Offers a fresh take on family and culture
★ Stellar performance from James Yi as Appa
★ Fast-paced, 75 minutes with no interval, ideal for a midweek night out
Catch It While You Can
- Kim’s Convenience runs at the Oxford Playhouse until Saturday
- Tickets start at £14
- Box Office: 01865 305305
- Book online: oxfordplayhouse.com
