The Karate Kid The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Zoey Caldwell
I am a 70’s born, grew up in the 80’s girl and I was obsessed with The Karate Kid movies, I had them on video and would watch and then rewind. I knew the script and every move that Daniel Larusso made. Many a time was spent messing with my sister practicing the infamous Crane kick. So, when I saw there was a Karate Kid the musical I was intrigued.
The Karate kid story follows the adolescent Daniel Larusso (Gino Ochello) and his mother’s move from New Jersey to California. Mum is super excited for their new life, but Daniel is resenting leaving behind everything he knows for his senior year.
Daniel does not have an easy start to life in the valley and soon makes an enemy out of Johnny Lawrence (Joe Simmons), a rich kid with a bad attitude and an even worse sensei in John Kreese (Matt Mills). Luckily, for Daniel he befriends Mr Miyagi (Adrian Pang), the handyman in the complex he moved to, and a very unlikely friendship is born.
As I explained I was obsessed with the movie and knew the words, it has been many years, however I can assure that some of the script is taken from the movie- the satire of Mr Miyagi and his unknowing dry wit, moments between Daniel and his love interest Ali (Elena Breschi) were straight from the film. I even spotted the spotty material in Mr Miyagi’s workshop and knew exactly what part was coming. I am thrilled that they kept the story as true as they could.
Gino plays a great Daniel, he has the long legged, goofiness that Ralph Macchio had back in the day and the charming smile that steals Ali’s heart from the moment they meet. The on-stage chemistry is good between Daniel and Ali, but the I loved watching the relationship between Mr Miyagi and Daniel grow. The directors and choreographers have very cleverly composed an ensemble of dancers that follow Mr Miyagi and represent the peace and calmness that he exudes. To counter that serenity the whole stage atmosphere transforms into something dark, loud and altogether nasty whenever there is a Cobra Kai scene. These were some of my favourite moments, the powerful songs, the loud music and the excellent choreography were amazing. Every member of the ensemble’s timing was to perfection. Matt Mills (John Kreese) was a fabulous villain; he brought all the bitterness of the character in the movie to the stage and has powerful voice that amplified all the hate that his character carries.
I was not sure how they were going to make the movie into a musical, but I did enjoy it- there was a poignant moment between Daniel and his mother with the song If I could take his Pain Away – as a mother of boys, I teared up! It was a moving.
Every member of the cast gave it their all, I have already mentioned the choreography, but it is so cleverly performed to incorporate karate moves, there is a live orchestra, and the use of lighting brilliant. The whole production was masterfully put together, and I am more than happy that one of my go-to movies as a child has been brought to the stage.
Rating: 5/5 Tickets cost from £28 plus £3.95 transaction fee.
The Karate Kid the Musical is playing at Milton Keynes theatre, Milton Keynes from 16th – 20th June 2026 for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-karate-kid-the-musical/milton-keynes-theatre/ or call the box office on 03330095399. Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ