The Karate Kid The Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
Turns out the crane kick lands just as hard under a spotlight: The Karate Kid: The Musical, currently running at Leeds Grand Theatre. Another firm favourite of mine that has been recreated for stage and even though I was slightly apprehensive about the big and tough Johnny Lawrence (Joe Simmons) and even tougher John Kreese (Matt Mills) and the whole of Cobra Kai breaking out in a dance routine, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it all went. Saying that, I couldn’t imagine Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio breaking out into song in the original film but Adrian Pang (Mr Miyagi) and Gino Ochello (Daniel Larusso) both did and it was superb.
The set design was ingeniously created in such a way that the lighting added to every scene and one truly felt that you were in that setting. The fusuma was also cleverly changed from tranquil and serene to fearsome and intimidating by the simple switch of the colour of light used.
The costumes were true to the time and the film – I LOVED that Daniel’s party costume was the same as the film. It makes me so happy when a film is recreated for the stage without losing what made the original special.
The casting was done perfectly, and every single cast member delivered their part exquisitely. Gino Ochello (Daniel Larusso) is a brilliant actor and made the role his own and his vocals were ideal for this role. My 16-year-old attending with me and he thoroughly enjoyed Gino’s performance and stage presence. Adrian Pang (Mr Miyagi) portrayed the role with such attention to detail; he truly brought the original awkwardly innocent and confidently peaceful Mr Miyagi to life in this production. Sharon Sexton (Lucille Larusso) has an amazing voice and had me in tears during If I Could Take His Pain Away – I think most mothers with sons of a similar age could sympathise with her and how hard this part of their lives are due to their craving for independence but still only being young to this world and it’s evils and hardships. Abigail Amin (Ali Mills) also has a beautiful voice and did great justice to her role.
I never thought that anyone could portray the horridness of John Kreese but Matt Mills did it with style. Also, another cast member with a stunning voice yet masterfully intimidating, I was happy to feel the same unease and loathing last night for this character that I felt for John Kreese all the years growing up! Joe Simmons (Johnny Lawrence) was most likely my favourite actor last night. He made the role his own, he has a stunning voice but he just had that special something that made him stand out to me. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he finds redemption in the end and he recognises his faults, mistakes and walks away from that which made him lose his path.
Rating: 5/5.
It was so very entertaining and unique. Even if you haven’t watched the film, you can still find such entertainment from this show and I urge you not to miss this one. The show is currently on at Leeds Grand Theatre until the 30th of May 2026. I simply adored it. Tickets start from £35 and can be purchased from https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/the-karate-kid-2026/
Running Time: 2hrs 25mins (approx. inc interval). Age Guidance: 6+ (parental guidance recommended). Content Guidance: Flashing lights, strobe effects, mist, loud noises, strong language, adult themes, and violence.