Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane and Leo Stages have announced full casting and the creative team for the UK premiere production of The Karate Kid – The Musical.
Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student,
Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees
something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into
something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about
fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within.
Based on the smash hit Columbia Pictures motion picture, this new stage adaptation features a book by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 film that launched a 40-year global franchise, and music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
The creative team also includes Director Amon Miyamoto, Choreographers Keone and Mari Madrid, Scenic Designer Derek McLane, Costume Designer Ayako Maeda, Lighting Designer Bradley King, Sound Designer Kai Harada, Projection Designer Peter Nigrini, Wigs and Hair Designer Tommy Kurzman, Orchestrator John Clancy and Musical Supervisor and Arranger Andrew Resnick.
Adrian Pang will lead the company as Mr Miyagi, with Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso, Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.
The ensemble includes Ambra Caserotti, Johndeep More, Ria Tanaka, Elena Breschi, Aden Dzuda, Elliott Evans, El Haq Latief, Isaac J Lewis, Emily Rose-Davis, Aaron Archer, Dylan Blake-Colbet, Serenar Douch, Esme Rothero and Sok-Ho Trinh.
The UK tour opens at New Wimbledon Theatre on 28th April 2026, before visiting Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff. The Toronto season opens in September.
