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By Steve Crabtree<\/a>, May 2026<\/p>\n I\u2019m not alone in being a huge fan of The Karate Kid movies. As a kid, adolescent, and adult, I\u2019ve watched them more times than I can count, and that first one that came flying out in 1984 is an absolute classic. So when a stage version was announced, my friend Dan \u2013 who is a huge fan of the movie too \u2013 and I secured our seats for its opening night at Leeds Grand Theatre.<\/p>\n Wandering around the foyer, the place was awash with a mix of families and friends. It showed the cross-generation appeal of this film, with parents clearly eager to get their kids to enjoy the classic films from their own childhood with them.<\/p>\n Despite the sweltering heat of the day, the feeling in the theatre was brilliant. And, as we took our seats, the story slowly unfolded in that familiar, recognisable way, with Daniel and his mum landing in Reseda, Los Angeles, looking for a completely new life.<\/p>\n \u201cPerfect Mr Miyagi\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n As all us who\u2019ve seen the film know, the setup follows Daniel\u2019s struggle to fit in to his new surroundings, getting targeted by the bullies at the Cobra Kai dojo, and finding an unlikely mentor, and friend, in the apartment block\u2019s handy man.<\/p>\n And that relationship is the absolute core of the evening. Mostly because Adrian Pang is fantastic. His perfect Mr Miyagi is a complete tribute to the Pat Morita version we all grew up with. Pang has the timing, the mannerisms, the movements, the humour, and the grumpiness down to a tee, and he regularly brings roars of laughter from the audience. An absolute show stealer.<\/p>\n The choreography is a highlight too, where martial arts and musical theatre movements are mixed together in a way that really pleases the eye. The training sequences are tightly structured too, reflecting a discipline needed in Karate. And that build up to the tournament at the end is nice too, even if it comes in quite quickly.<\/p>\n As a massive fan of the original film though, I have to admit I didn\u2019t take to the changes in the stage adaptation of The Karate Kid quite as easily as I\u2019d expected to.<\/p>\n \u201cThe songs didn\u2019t feel memorable\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The Daniel LaRusso we know has an edge and a rough cockiness about him. But the stage version comes across a lot more High School Musical than Karate Kid. Gino Ochello has the unenviable task of taking the role that is Ralph Macchio through and through. And he went down well enough with the Leeds crowd, but for me, the character misses that authentic, scrappy bite.<\/p>\n The pace of the story felt a little bit \u2018rattled through\u2019 too. Although the production stays true to the storyline of the original film, there\u2019s a few iconic scenes from the movie that we didn\u2019t really get chance to absorb before we\u2019d moved on to the next. And, on the flip side \u2013 songs elongate some of the lesser important scenes.<\/p>\n At the beginning of scene two, the scene with track \u2018Typical Ali Mills\u2019 perhaps took up some valuable dialogue time \u2013 and before you know it we\u2019re quickly into a song explaining the famous, but quick boat balance scene. For me, these tunes didn\u2019t feel worthy of their duration. I wanted the story to flow better, and to let the musical breathe instead of moving on.<\/p>\n I overheard one theatre goer on the way out say that the songs didn\u2019t feel memorable, and I\u2019d go with that.<\/p>\n \u201cA basic traditional oriental backdrop\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Where scenery is concerned, The Karate Kid: The Musical relies heavily on a basic traditional oriental backdrop. While it has its place in Miyagi\u2019s garden, it sits there throughout the show and feels a little out of place when the kids are at school or in the arcade. The original film thrives on the contrasting settings between the quiet valley, the sports fields, the school hall and downtown Los Angeles.<\/p>\n They get the Cobra Kai dojo right, but for me the stage version needs more variety in the scenery contrasts to make those locations work.<\/p>\n From a cast point of view, there\u2019s some strong people up on that stage. Abigail Amin turns in a really likeable performance as Ali, bringing a genuine warmth that makes you route for her.<\/p>\n Then, over in the Cobra Kai clan the villains really pack some punches. Matt Mills is great as the intimidating John Kreese, playing him with a terrifying mean streak where you certainly wouldn\u2019t want to antagonise him. Alongside him, Joe Simmons gives Johnny Lawrence the authentic dislikability factor, nailing the arrogant profile of Daniel\u2019s chief rival.<\/p>\n And Sharon Sexton deserves a special mention for a really good portrayal of Lucille Larusso, Daniel\u2019s mum. The eagerness of positivity, and the accent \u2013 both nailed.<\/p>\n \u201cSolid foundation\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n All in all, The Karate Kid The Musical is a good production that a family can thoroughly enjoy together, provided you\u2019re happy with a few expletives here and there.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/The-Karate-Kid-2.jpg\"\/)
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