NEWS: UK PREMIERE OF THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL TO TOUR UK IN 2026

The Iconic 80s Movie Comes to the Stage

Wax on, wax off — The Karate Kid is kicking its way onto the British stage! Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore and Kenny Wax have officially announced the UK premiere of The Karate Kid – The Musical, launching a major UK Tour in 2026 ahead of planned West End and Broadway runs.

The musical opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 28 April 2026, before touring nationwide to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham, and Cardiff until 1 August 2026. Tickets are on sale now from 10 am today.

A Beloved Classic Reimagined

Written by Robert Mark Kamen, the screenwriter of the original 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, this vibrant stage adaptation reimagines the legendary coming-of-age story through music, movement and heart.

The original film, starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi, became a cultural phenomenon — spawning sequels, a 2010 remake featuring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and the global hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025). This year, the beloved franchise continued with Karate Kid: Legends, reuniting Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.

After its world premiere in St. Louis in 2022, where it played to sold-out audiences and rave reviews, The Karate Kid – The Musical is ready to inspire UK audiences with its story of resilience, mentorship and balance.

The Story Lives On

At its heart, The Karate Kid – The Musical is about far more than karate — it’s about finding strength, dignity, and respect. The powerful bond between Daniel LaRusso and his mentor Mr Miyagi takes centre stage once more, teaching that true victory comes not from fighting, but from within.

A Tony Award-winning design team brings cinematic moments to life on stage, transforming the nostalgic 80s energy of the original into a thrilling, kinetic theatrical experience. Expect bold choreography, heartfelt performances, and a score that will make you cheer as loudly as you did in the cinema all those years ago.

The Karate Kid The Musical Creative Team

This brand-new musical is directed by Amon Miyamoto with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, whose dynamic storytelling has taken the dance world by storm. The production also boasts scenic design by Derek McLane, costumes by Ayako Maeda, lighting by Bradley King, sound by Kai Harada, and projections by Peter Nigrini.

Orchestrations are by John Clancy, with music supervision and arrangements by Andrew Resnick, and wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman. Casting will be announced soon.

Full UK Tour Dates

• Tue 28 Apr – Sat 9 May – WIMBLEDON (New Wimbledon Theatre)

• Tue 12 – Sat 23 May – MANCHESTER (Palace Theatre)

• Tue 26 – Sat 30 May – LEEDS (Grand Theatre – On Sale Soon)

• Tue 2 – Sat 6 Jun – LIVERPOOL (Empire Theatre)

• Tue 9 – Sat 13 Jun – OXFORD (New Theatre)

• Tue 16 – Sat 20 Jun – MILTON KEYNES (Theatre)

• Tue 30 Jun – Sat 4 Jul – GLASGOW (Theatre Royal)

• Tue 7 – Sat 11 Jul – SHEFFIELD (Lyceum Theatre)

• Tue 14 – Sat 18 Jul – SUNDERLAND (Empire)

• Tue 21 – Sat 25 Jul – BIRMINGHAM (The Alexandra)

• Tue 28 Jul – Sat 1 Aug – CARDIFF (Wales Millennium Centre – On Sale Soon)

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Final Thoughts

For theatre-lovers and film fans alike, The Karate Kid – The Musical promises to be one of 2026’s biggest musical events. Expect a mix of nostalgia, fresh storytelling, and dazzling stagecraft that will leave you cheering, “Wax on, wax off!”