Review of The Karate Kid - The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

There is no denying that the world of musical theatre is tremendously imaginative, and of all the films that could be adapted, perhaps the eighties teen drama The Karate Kid was not at the top of most people's lists for a musical adaptation. However, as our stage versions of Mr Miyagi and Daniel LaRusso arrive at Milton Keynes Theatre on a UK tour, I am happy to say that this is one of the most sensible film-to-musical decisions.

Recently relocated from New Jersey to LA, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. However, unbeknownst to him, a quiet and unassuming maintenance man at his new home, Mr Miyagi, is on hand to offer a little more than some bonsai training.

The first thing that ticks the box for a film-to-musical adaptation is having an original soundtrack, not an endless collection of awkwardly shoehorned music classics into the story. Here, alongside book writer Robert Mark Kamen, are some brilliantly crafted tunes by composer and lyricist Drew Gasparini. It is true that you are unlikely to leave with an earworm, since catchiness is not a key feature of Gasparini’s work. He is clearly looking for placement, story development, relevance, and, if I may say so, just good, solid songs.

The songs are all delivered beautifully, and the strong cast is led by the very charismatic Gino Ochello as Daniel, the innocent, likeable boy targeted by a bully on his first day due to romantic friction. He is a very strong lead, delivering both emotional performances and strong vocal skills.

Alongside him, though, as his mentor, is Adrian Pang as Mr Miyagi, with an even stronger stage performance. His creation of the vintage character is magical, filling him with lovely quirks and a delicious air of mystery. He is truly perfect for the role and even joins in for some subtle, but perfectly in-character songs.

Elsewhere, there is strong support, especially from the tremendous vocals and caring nature of Sharon Sexton’s performance as Daniel’s mother, Lucille. Joe Simmons offers equally great vocal support as bad-guy Johnny, but has slightly less menace, perhaps needed for the story's meaty scenes.

The love interest of Ali on the night was performed by debut understudy Elena Breschi, and she was fantastic, assured in the role with a great personality that, with the exception of the announcement, you would never have thought she didn’t play the role every night. Of final mention of the cast, there is a dominant performance by Matt Mills as the true baddy of the story, the embittered Vietnam veteran John Kreese, pressurising his students to help him cast away his own past failure.

The world of karate gives choreographers Keone and Mari Madrid the chance to play with visuals, and as a result, there are some brilliant moments of movement in the show, from fast action to the beautiful little sequences featuring Mr Miyagi and the ensemble.

The set allows director Amon Miyamoto to keep things moving, but at times it can be a bit clunky during scene changes, and, unfortunately, there were a few lighting issues affecting the earlier scenes in the first act as well. Musically, though, from Chris Poon and his band, the entire theatre was filled with sound, but at a volume that still allowed the lyrics to be heard.

The Karate Kid - The Musical is a pleasant surprise, telling the original, moralistic coming-of-age story well through song. The appeal, perhaps, is limited to those who remember the original; however, it shouldn’t be, as this is solid, always-relevant storytelling that deserves to be seen by a much wider audience.

A warm and thoughtful musical adaptation of the cult eighties film.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Tuesday 16th June 2026 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes.

The Karate Kid - The Musical runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 20th June 2026, before continuing its tour.

For further details about Milton Keynes, see their website at https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

For further details of the tour, see the website at https://www.thekaratekidthemusicaluk.com/

Photographs: Manuel Harlan

Review of Elf the Musical (N.M.T.C.) at Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton

Christmas has come early this year thanks to the Northampton Musical Theatre Company and their annual performance at Royal & Derngate; this year, they bring Elf the Musical to the stage. First staged in 2010, this musical version of the 2003 Will Ferrell comedy features music by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and is based on the book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, from David Berenbaum's original screenplay. Elf tells the tale of Buddy, a human raised by Santa's elves, who eventually learns that his origins are less North Pole and more the skyscraper streets of New York City. So, for Buddy, it’s time to travel to the Big Apple and finally meet his biological father. Matt Clarke's lead performance in Elf is strong. Clarke brings Buddy to life with all the childish manners and silly behaviour that make the character an endearing lead. He also has the vocal ability and movement to match, and he effortlessly entertains, especially the young kids, with his zany antics. Han...

Review of Matilda at Milton Keynes Theatre

Roald Dahl is perhaps one of the most famous children’s authors of any generation, and his work has inspired an exceptional number of film, television, and theatre adaptations. Fifteen years ago, this musical of Matilda , one of his most fondly remembered stories, took to the stage and has not looked back since. Adapted from the original book by Dennis Kelly, with lyrics and music by Tim Minchin, the show has been a fixture at the Cambridge Theatre in London since 2011, has performed on Broadway, and is now reaching Milton Keynes Theatre as part of its second UK and Ireland Tour. Inspired by the Roald Dahl book of the same name, this Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi-award-winning musical tells the story of an extraordinary little girl with a vivid imagination and the courage to change her own destiny. Matilda is of course the centre of attention in this production, and on this extensive tour, the role is shared by Felicity Brown, Petra Hutchings, Mollie Hutton, and Caroline Ravansari ...

Review of The Battle at Birmingham Rep

The Battle is a brand-new play by John Niven, set firmly in the nineties, that focuses on the Britpop fight between chart rivals Blur and Oasis. Opening at Birmingham Rep before transferring to the spiritual Oasis home of Manchester, the question is: is this worth donning your bucket hat, heading to the theatre, and enjoying the show to the end, or will you look back in anger when you leave? It is London, 1995. The infamous Britpop battle begins when both Blur and Oasis release singles on the same day. On one side, clean-cut, art-school intellectuals from the South. On the other hand, raw and unapologetic lads from the North. Let battle commence! The Battle is John Niven's first stage play, and he doesn't take the easy route. Deciding to bring both known people, detailed and multiple scenes and ambitious storytelling to proceedings. And for the most part, it all comes together to create a coherent whole. The casting director Claire Bleasdale has assembled a talented group of ...

A Small Mind At The Theatre

Search This Blog