‘Karate Kid’, starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi, has quickly become a global hit in the 80s, with various remakes attempted since.
The franchise saw a whopping three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). Lastlast year (2025) also saw the release of the sixth movie, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.
Bringing the original, now legendary 1984 film to life on the Glasgow stage, the production is embarking on its UK premiere tour, gracing King’s Theatre between June 30 and July 4, 2026.
The heartfelt coming-of-age story has been transformed through movement, music, and up-close storytelling, with the legendary bond between Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, dignity, and respect.
‘Karate Kid – The Musical’ casting
What is more, the casting has now been announced for ‘Karate Kid – The Musical’ UK tour, with Adrian Pang as Mr. Miyagi, Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso and Abigail Amin as Ali Mills. Plus, Joe Simmons plays Johnny Lawrence, while Matt Mills stars as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton plays Lucille LaRusso, and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.
‘The Karate Kid’ writer and creator Robert Mark Kamen said: “William Goldman said about Hollywood, ‘No one knows anything.” He was right. Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for The Karate Kid, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”
‘Karate Kid – The Musical’ is coming to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow between June 30 and July 4, 2026, and you can book your tickets here.
