Kim’s Convenience – Leeds Playhouse

Writer: Ins Choi

Director: Esther Jun

Stepping into a supermarket in a foreign land always promises to serve up some unexpected delights and staring voyeuristically into Kim’s Convenience replicates that experience beautifully. This one act play, which inspired a hugely successful Netflix series of the same name, is set in a downtown corner shop in Toronto run by Korean immigrants.

Esther Jun’s sensitive and unhurried direction gives time to appreciate the character of the setting. Gently intriguing, we first encounter the shop’s proprietor, Mr Kim (James Yi), as he potters around his well-stocked domain, switching on lights and setting up the till. Interrupted by a series of customers, we learn more of him by the way in which he interacts with them – knowingly, engagingly or highly suspiciously.

The comedy comes in gentle waves – each interaction with brings its own witty response and Andrew Gichigi deserves a lot of the credit here as through a series of quick changes of costume and attitude, he plays them all! His daughter, Janet (Caroline Donica) appears just as he is attempting to apprehend one of these customers to both excruciating and comic effect.

Kim, Janet and his wife, Umma (Candace Leung) live above the shop and so their dramas are also played out amongst the crisps and cereals. It is quickly clear that something is not right with this unit – Umma spends too much time at church and Janet battles with her desire to establish her career whilst being put upon for the family business. Something – or as it slowly transpires – someone, is missing.

This is an immigration story, hopes and dreams of a better life. Sacrifices, made by parents with enormous love for their offspring, are not always rewarded with success or even gratitude and Yi expresses that conflict quite tangibly – his emotions keenly felt. When the missing piece of the family, the prodigal son, Jung (Daniel Phung) makes his return, there is a definite feeling of relief and contentment.

Watching this utterly charming piece, there is a sense of witnessing a real slice of life and, like the accidental overhearing the most fascinating of conversations, it feels like a lucky privilege to enjoy this encounter with a family at one of the pivotal moments of their lives.

Runs until 15th March, before continuing on tour