The nationwide tour will head to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and CardiffThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The Karate Kid musical is coming to Manchester(Image: Supplied)
The UK premier production of The Karate Kid musical will embark on a major UK tour next spring, prior to the West End and Broadway.
Written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie that launched a 40-year strong global franchise, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, The Karate Kid – The Musical will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 28 April.
It will then tour nationwide to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff, until Saturday 1 August 2026. Tickets are now on sale here.
Bringing the original, now legendary 1984 film to life on stage, this heart-felt coming of age story is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling.
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At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting but balance, dignity, and respect.
The original Karate Kid blockbuster starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi enjoyed spectacular box office success and wide critical acclaim, with Morita receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The Karate Kid
The movie fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai.
This year saw the release of the sixth movie, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. The musical received its world premiere in St. Louis in America in 2022, playing to sold out audiences.
A Tony Award-winning design team transforms iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.
The Karate Kid writer and creator Robert Mark Kamen said: “William Goldman said about Hollywood “No one knows anything.” He was right.
“Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for The Karate Kid, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”
Written by Robert Mark Kamen with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, the musical is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, and sound design by Kai Harada.
Projection design is overseen by Peter Nigrini, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervisor and arrangements by Andrew Resnick, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman.
It is produced by Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore and Kenny Wax, and casting is to be announced in due course.
THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL UK TOUR 2026
- Tue 28 Apr – Sat 9 May – New Wimbledon Theatre
- Tue 12 – Sat 23 May – Manchester Palace Theatre
- Tue 26 – Sat 30 May – Leeds Grand Theatre – Onsale soon
- Tue 2 – Sat 6 June – Liverpool Empire Theatre
- Tue 9 – Sat 13 June – Oxford New Theatre
- Tue 16 – Sat 20 June – Milton Keynes Theatre
- Tue 30 Jun – Sat 4 July – Glasgow Theatre Royal
- Tue 7 – Sat 11 July – Sheffield Lyceum Theatre
- Tue 14 – Sat 18 July – Sunderland Empire
- Tue 21 – Sat 25 July – Birmingham The Alexandra
- Tue 28 July – Sat 1 Aug – Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre – Onsale soon