Review: The Karate Kid the musical, UK tour, Glasgow | Visually stunning
- Lisa in the theatre
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The new stage adaptation of the beloved 1980s film The Karate Kid has arrived in Glasgow this week as part of its UK premiere tour. The new musical is at the Theatre Royal until Saturday 4th July. Read my review here.
The Karate Kid, the musical ★★★★☆
Review: 30 June 2026 | Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Another musical adapted from a popular 1980s film? Indeed. But this one is excellent! The Karate Kid, the musical, is based on the original Columbia Pictures 1984 hit, The Karate Kid, which tells the story of a boy who stands up to his bullies with the help of a gentle mentor.
The new musical stage adaptation of The Karate Kid is one of the best-looking, most visually impressive UK tour productions that I've seen in a long, long time. The Tony award-winning design team have created a stunning stage with imposing walls and gliding screens. Derek McLane's design details are exquisite down to the tiniest bonsai tree. With impeccable lighting (Bradley King) and sound design (Kai Harada), The Karate Kid, the musical, is exactly the kind of upscale, polished production that audiences deserve at regional UK tour venues.
The musical is directed and choreographed with such intelligent care and attention to detail that it's a masterclass in fluent storytelling and transitions. While the expected fight scenes are impressive - precise, realistic, and so exciting - and there's plenty of comedy too, what is unexpected is the eye-catching dance moves and creative choreography that permeate the entire show.
What is the Karate Kid, the musical about?
Daniel LaRusso (newcomer Gino Ochello) has moved from New Jersey to California with his mum Lucille (Bat out of Hell's Sharon Sexton), where he soon meets beautiful, rich girl Ali (Abigail Amin.) Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny (Joe Simmons) is not happy to see someone else moving in on his girl, so he and his mates, who are all students at the notorious Cobra Kai dojo run by a ruthless Sensei (MJ the musical's phenomenal Matt Mills), beat him up and bully him relentlessly.
Daniel finds solace with quiet building maintenance man Mr Miyagi (the incredible Adrian Pang), who is hiding more than a few secrets, including his skill in the noble martial art of Karate. Mr Miyagi takes Daniel under his tutelage, and through various menial chores - Wax on, Wax off! - teaches him the physical skill and mental discipline of Karate. Together they face the brutal bullies of Cobra Kai with their 'Strike first, Strike hard, No mercy' motto.
The Karate Kid, the musical, stays fixed in its 1980s roots - there's no attempt to update it with modern tech, mobile phones or current pop culture references. And there's no need for it. The timeless story about love, loss and respect, with its core message that violence is not the answer, is superb.
After a bit of a slow start, the show soon finds its footing. Director Amon Miyamoto does an incredible job of building tension and excitement in the auditorium. The action at the Cobra Kai dojo is signalled by upbeat, heart-pumping rock music played by the excellent live orchestra. While the heartwarming scenes between Daniel and the elegant, humble Mr Miyagi are quietly stunning.
Adrian Pang is outstanding as Mr Miyagi - his every word and every movement is breathtaking. And in his professional debut, Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso gives the same kind of likeable 1980s teenage protagonist to root for as Michael J Fox did in Back to the Future or Zach Galligan did in Gremlins. The evolution of the pair's relationship and the growing bond between them is glorious; exactly the kind of stuff that the best 80s movies are made of.
Matt Mills' imposing sensei is also very strong - an excellent antagonist with real depth and a powerful stage presence. He pitches the character just right to avoid any pantomime villain boos.
The Karate Kid is a musical where the book (Robert Mark Kamen), the performances and the epic production values overshadow the actual score. Drew Gasparini's music is lovely, with a well-balanced mix of styles and tempos, but there are no standout, showstopping songs.
The Karate Kid, the musical, is a thrilling yet moving musical with a beating 80s heart. Director Miyamoto does an excellent job of finely balancing exhilarating fight scenes with breathtaking moments of gentle beauty. He has created something special that should appeal to fans of the original film and captivate new audiences today. ★★★★☆
The Karate Kid, the musical, is at Glasgow Theatre Royal until Saturday 4th July and then continues on UK tour, including dates in Sunderland and Birmingham.
The Karate Kid: The Musical
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Tue 30 June - Sat 4 July 2026
The Karate Kid: The Musical UK tour tickets via ATG Tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-karate-kid-the-musical/
MORE: Fancy seeing another 80s classic film on stage? Back to the Future, the musical, heads out on a UK tour from October 2026, including dates in Edinburgh. Find out more here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/back-to-the-future-musical-uk-tour-news
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