The Karate Kid – The Musical at Lyceum Theatre Sheffield 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
Some shows are worth seeing twice and The Karate Kid: The Musical is definitely one of them. Heading to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, I questioned whether a second viewing could live up to the first. It didn’t just live up to it—it surpassed it.
Knowing what was coming allowed me to appreciate so much more, from the clever nods to the beloved film to the perfectly timed comedy. Adrian Pang’s Mr Miyagi was an even bigger standout on this visit, with his warmth, wisdom and flawless comic timing drawing some of the biggest laughs of the evening. The only change to this production was that Daniel Larusso was played by Isaac J Lewis.
Turning one of the most iconic martial arts films of all time into a musical could easily have felt like a gimmick, but this production never falls into that trap. Instead, it confidently embraces the original, mixing humour, heart and high-energy songs in a way that feels incredibly natural. Joe Simmons’ Johnny Lawrence and Matt Mills’ terrifying John Kreese absolutely command the stage just as much during the show’s songs as they do in its arguments, proving that Cobra Kai’s intensity doesn’t disappear simply because the music starts. Meanwhile, Adrian Pang and Isaac J Lewis have such natural harmony that it’s impossible not to be swept along by their journey. Rather than trying to reproduce the iconic performances of Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio, they honour those beloved characters while bringing their own charm, personality and emotion to the stage. Far from being a repeat experience, this second visit reminded me just how entertaining, funny and heartfelt this production really is. If anything, it lands even more cleanly the second time around.
One of the real joys of returning to a production is discovering just how much has been packed into it. Knowing the story meant I wasn’t so focused on what was happening next, and instead I found myself admiring all the little touches that I had missed the first time. The creative team has created a production that rewards repeat visits, with little details in the staging, choreography and design revealing themselves when you have the chance to look a little closer.
The first time around, I was under the impression that the set was deceptively simple. However, on my second viewing, I realised just how incredibly intricate it was. The seamless movement of each piece to create distinct environments and atmospheres revealed stage design as an art form in its own right, performed with remarkable precision. It was incredibly effective, changing seamlessly from scene to scene with very clever use of lighting and minimal changes. One detail I completely missed during my first visit was the way colour alone changed the mood of Mr Miyagi’s home. The fusuma panels shifted from creating a calm, welcoming haven to something far more imposing and tense simply through changes in lighting. It’s a subtle piece of theatre magic that beautifully reflects the emotional journey of the story.
Costume design deserves identical praise. Every outfit captures the spirit of the 1980s without feeling like a caricature, and there are plenty of affectionate nods to the original film for fans to enjoy. Daniel’s iconic shower costume at the Halloween party remains one of my favourite moments because it’s recreated with such care. It’s details like these that show sincere respect for the original material while allowing the musical to establish its own identity.
The cast once again proved why this production works so well. Isaac J Lewis brings enormous heart to Daniel LaRusso, balancing vulnerability, determination and humour with ease, while his vocals continue to impress throughout. Watching alongside my 14-year-old son, I found it clear that his performance resonates with audiences of all ages, and Daniel’s journey remains just as relatable today as it was in 1984.
Few shows leave me wanting to see it again before I’ve even left the theatre, but The Karate Kid: The Musical has now achieved that twice. It isn’t simply a nostalgic trip back to a much-loved film; it’s a joyful, funny and surprisingly emotional musical that stands confidently on its own. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Daniel and Mr Miyagi or discovering their story for the first time, this production has something for everyone. If anything, my second visit proved that this is a show that only gets better the more time you spend with it. The show is running until this Saturday, the 11th of July and ticket prices start from £15 and can be bought from here https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-karate-kid-the-musical/dates
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.
Rating: (5/5)