by Zahid Fayyaz

Now a very popular Netflix sitcom, Kim Convenience reverts back to its theatrical roots for a second run in the current London theatre season. Previously at the Park Theatre, Ins Choi’s production is now on at Hammersmith’s Riverside Studios. With Choi playing the patriarch of the family, ‘Appy’, this is a family drama with both humour and pathos in equal measure.

At a tight 75 minutes, this production puts plot strands from five seasons of the TV show into just one show. This results in character arcs condensed into the space of a few days, and with the majority of the action taking place at the titular convenience store. As well as storylines, the characters are reduced to the core family of Appa, his wife ‘Umma’, their kids Janet and Jung, alongside Alex, Janet’s potential love interest. Whilst its short, the show packs a lot into its run time. It covers the pressures on the children of immigrants, the difficulties of operating a small business of one in a world of large corporations, and when people are ready to retire. In addition to the drama, the comedy is also very funny, with excellent performances overall and good comic timing.

The show is a lot of fun, as evidenced by the audience being engaged throughout. For fans of the show in particular, its very much worth going to see this. Otherwise, it’s still recommended viewing for general audiences.

Kim’s Convenience runs through 26 October.

The Play’s the Thing UK is committed to covering fringe and progressive theatre in London and beyond. It is run entirely voluntarily and needs regular support to ensure its survival. For more information and to help The Play’s the Thing UK provide coverage of the theatre that needs reviews the most, visit its patreon.