Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 30th May 2026
Reviewed by Adam Craddock
5*****
I had the privilege to be invited along to the stunning Leeds Grand Theatre to review the new stage show “The Karate Kid: The Musical”. I have to say that I was somewhat hesitant for this show, I have never watched the films (I know… shocking!) and we are in the middle of an unbearable heatwave so I was not looking forward to sitting in a packed theatre with little to no AC, however I must say that I was absolutely blown away by this production.
The show follows Daniel Larusso, a young New Jersey native who has just moved to California, as he struggles to integrate in the new community and runs up against a group of young karate practitioners training at the dojo Cobra Kai. Larusso seeks the help of the mysterious handyman Mr Miyagi and learns the way of Karate. As someone who has not seen the films (I only know the very basics, wax on wax off etc) I was apprehensive about how much would go over my head but I was pleasantly surprised that you needed no foreknowledge of the story to enjoy this show.
Gino Ochello stars as Daniel Larusso. Ochello screams of a future Evan Hansen, with a beautiful contemporary tone to his voice and a likeability that is very hard to come by. His vulnerable performance was spot on, never seeming needy but perfectly playing the underdog. Adrian Pang co stars as Mr Miyagi and I truly believe that this is one of the most perfect bits of casting we have seen. Pang brings such a brilliant quiet intelligence to the role, shining brightest for me in the moments when he is not saying anything, just watching. That is not to say however that his script work is not strong. Pang has impeccable comedic timing in this role and his relationship with Ochello was sublime. Bravo to both!
Abigail Amin was strong as Ali Mills, with a lovely tone to her voice and again a real likeability. That likeability can not be said however for Matt Mills and Joe Simmons who play John Kreese and John Lawrence respectively. Mills is deliciously villainous as the sensei of Cobra Kai with a real ruthlessness to his portrayal and Simmons plays the role of the Jock type character perfectly, really making you root even more for Larusso. Sharon Sexton is warm as Lucille Larusso. Sexton brings some real softness to this show and plays the role of a modern mother to perfection.
I know I keep using that word, perfection, but that truly for me is the word that best summarises this show. I struggle to think of a new musical that I have enjoyed this much for quite some time. The direction was brilliant, with time being allowed to the actors to let their characters breathe in the quiet moments. The choreography was out of this world, a brilliant blend of commercial and lyrical aspects with rises and falls in attack and flow as the story required. I particularly enjoyed the use of the ensemble as almost the spirit of karate for Mr Miyagi. This type of interpretive lyrical movement would normally make me roll my eyes but it worked to perfection here. The lighting and sound design were both perfect, and the sets almost were except for the shuttering that got stuck every time it came on stage, a minor hiccup that I am sure will be sorted by time this review is out.
Overall I could not recommend this show in a higher regard, this is one of the best new musical for me at least in the last decade if not more and really needs to be seen to be appreciated. So please get down to Leeds Grand before it leaves town. Go on, (karate) chop chop!