The Karate Kid the Musical – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Book: Robert Mark Kamen

Music and Lyrics: Drew Gasparini

Director: Amon Miyamoto

Based on a very successful film from 1984, The Karate Kid the Musical is a coming-of-age-story about Daniel. It is also a story of hope and optimism versus bitterness and hatred.

Daniel has reluctantly moved with his mother from New Jersey to California to start a new life there. His mother is full of optimism and Daniel wants to please her. His father had died when he was a child. At his first day at college he meets Ali Mills, a girl from the rich side of town and they are instantly attracted to each other. Johnny Lawrence, Ali’s ex-boyfriend will not accept that Ali does not want to go out with him anymore. Her parents want to rule her life and expect her to continue going out with Johnny but romance has bloomed between her and Daniel.

Johnny is an aggressive karate player under the warped guidance of John Kreese, an embittered war veteran who runs the Cobra Kai karate dojo. Johnny and his mates constantly rough-up Daniel giving him a warning to keep away from Ali. The maintenance man at Daniel’s apartment, Mr Miyagi of Japanese heritage, befriends Daniel. With his gentle, philosophical manner he teaches Daniel the true essence to success with karate for an upcoming tournament between Daniel and Johnny. Mr Miyagi purports that the way forward is to have focus, patience, respect, tolerance and balance, and that success comes from within yourself.

Isaac J Lewis plays Daniel in this performance. His freshness perfectly captures the teenage angst and yet the determination to succeed. The bond between Mr Miyagi (Adrian Pang), the father figure, and Daniel is compelling to watch. Pang’s portrayal of an elderly, reflective and wise Mr Miyagi is excellent. His aura is enhanced by the ensemble as they appear as spirits mirroring his moves. In other scenes the ensemble with their flowing movements represent enriching elements encircling Daniel.

Lucille, Daniel’s mother is acted by Sharon Sexton. The son and mother relationship is both warm and believable. Daniel’s new girlfriend Ali (played by Abigail Amin) is a character in her own right and gives a good performance.

The villain of the musical, Johnny Lawrence (played by Joe Simmons) is convincing in his teenage aggression and bolshiness. He has an intimidating presence on stage. Simmons’ staged karate and dance moves are perfectly complimented by the ensemble. The dance routines choreographed by Keone & Mari Madrid are energetic and exciting.

Matt Mills (John Kreese) exudes aggression as the leader of Cobra Kai, with the menacing chant ‘Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy’. With Kreese as their master the ensemble execute superbly synchronised and timed karate inspired dance routines.

The set design by Derek McLane is fantastic with oriental style screens constantly shifting and creating new settings for the story telling. The superb lighting creates atmosphere and enriches the simple shifting scenes, a remarkable feat for a touring performance.

Drew Gasparini’s score carries the narrative well, and with the live band in the pit it makes for an excellent musical.

The Karate Kid the Musical is a thrilling performance that captures that redeeming element of peace and harmony and goodness over aggression – that life is balance. You will not be disappointed.

Runs until 11 July 2026, before continuing on tour