Reviewed by Sophie Rowley

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Karate Kid is a cult classic for any child of the 80’s, filled with iconic phrases, scenes and characters that defined a generation of martial arts fanatics. All this energy has been brought into the first staged musical adaptation of The Karate Kid by a Tony award-winning creative team. Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to inject every ounce of heart and soul into this nostalgic retelling of the 1984 classic. The choreography was so sharp and in unison it was mesmerising to watch. This combined with the electric musical score made this one of the best productions I have seen this year, it is a true gamut of human emotion, brought to life incredibly well with humour, heartbreak, and determination that really draws you in. In all honesty it doesn’t matter whether you are attending this show as a lifelong fan of the 1984 film or you are a complete novice to this tale, this show is bound to leave you feeling uplifted, entertained and inspired to take on your own destiny. 

The Tony Award-winning creative team have been described by Broadway World as creating a production that is “elegant, emotional and remarkable” which really does sum up this show – it is an experience. Director Amon Miyamoto brings a sincerity to the show that is commendable, the balance of the high energy dance numbers create the perfect antithesis for the later heartfelt scenes that gives this show an emotional depth. The way Miyamoto uses the choreography to drive to the storytelling is what gives this production such edge. This is not surprising given Miyamoto’s background, not only is he the first Japanese director to direct a Broadway musical, but his acclaim comes from the ways in which he combines movement and feeling as a visual storytelling technique in his productions. Seeing this first hand I can confirm that his reputation has not been exaggerated. Having such a foundation really allows the characters to perform at their best and create the visual spectacle that is The Karate Kid.

Using the film as a foundation for the character base the creative team take this up a level in the casting of this show. Let’s start with the two iconic hero’s of the show Mr. Miyagi (Adrian Pang) and Daniel LaRusso (Gino Ochello), these two characters need to have chemistry together and Pang and Ochello have this in abundance. The way they metaphorically bounce off one another is delightful to watch. Ochello brings adolescent determination and emotion which you would expect from a teenager. You watch him grow throughout the show, where his innocence and insecurity drive the first half of the show, the second half shows his confidence growing through the direction and mentorship of Mr Miyagi (Pang). Pang’s characterisation pairs beautifully with Ochello. Pang is calm and wise and uses quiet meditation to guide his teaching of Daniel. Despite this quiet demeanour Pang infuses subtle humour into Miyagi that makes him relatable. In addition to this Miyagi’s teachings really are the focus of the show and Pang’s characterisation drives this even further.

The rest of the cast are equally as commendable, Abigail Amin takes on Ali Mills the love interest of Daniel and ex girlfriend to Cobra Kai student Johnny Lawrence. Amin’s charismatic portrayal of Ali has the audiences in the palm of her hand. Her voice is strong and crystal clear – hitting every note with undeniable intention. The perfect partner for Ochello she commands the strange with every move and entices the audience with every word. In addition to this Joe Simmons who plays Johnny Lawrence provides the perfect contrast as Ali’s ex and immediate love rival for Daniel. This rivalry is very well constructed and both Simmons and Ochello have a wonderful partnership on stage. Again a credit to the casting team. Matt Mills plays John Kreese the Cobra Kai leader – he provides the voice of reason and commands respect and discipline, his strict and diligent ways complement his musical numbers. Then we have the matriarch of the show Sharon Sexton, who plays Lucille LaRusso – Daniels mother she provides the audience with entertainment and wit throughout. Her humour drives the show and judging from the audiences reaction they seem to have taken to the New Jersey born Lucille.

Finally a special moment must be taken to discuss the choreography, lighting and music. The incredible work done by the creative team is clear to see in this trio of effects. From the moment the curtain goes up the energy is evident both in characters, costumes and sets. The dance routines leave you breathless, they are complex and well structured and cleanly delivered, the martial art elements are seamlessly interwoven into every step. The musical score is equally as electric, the songs have a vibrant effervescent quality to them that keep you entertained and engaged throughout the entire show. Moreover the lighting whilst dramatic is intentional which makes each set change to be even more emphatic than the next. 

In 1984 we were told to “Wax on, wax off’’ now in 2026 this Mancunian audience are encouraged to sing on and dance off. At times the story really pulls at your heart strings, its safe to say the spirit and essence of the original film has not been lost in the transition to stage. What better way to kick off the summer than seeing this high energy, visual treat that is bound to have you leaving the theatre on a high you’ll want to relive again.

The Karate Kid is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 23rd May here.