The Karate Kid: The Musical has arrived at the Wales Millennium Centre, bringing high energy, striking visuals, and a clear affection for the beloved 1980s film. It’s a production filled with movement, colour, and enthusiasm — and while it doesn’t always land the emotional punch it aims for, there are moments of charm that remind you why this story has endured for generations.
From the very beginning, it’s clear the creative team has poured attention into the staging. The set design is bold and dynamic, shifting seamlessly between locations and using movement to echo the film’s iconic training sequences.
The show features an original score — something I was genuinely excited to hear — and although few songs stood out as memorable, they were performed with impressive energy. The ensemble, made up of Ambra Caserotti, Johndeep More, Ria Tanaka, Elena Breschi, Aden Dzuda, Elliott Evans, El Haq Latief, Isaac J Lewis and Emily Rose-Davis, brought vibrancy and precision to the stage, keeping the momentum high throughout.
The cast deliver strong performances across the board. Gino Ochello brings a youthful earnestness to Daniel LaRusso. Joe Simmons and Matt Mills lean into the intensity of Johnny Lawrence and John Kreese, capturing the heightened drama of the Cobra Kai world. The remaining cast — Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez— contribute to the show’s overall energy, though the production doesn’t always give them the material needed to fully shine.
But it is Adrian Pang as Mr Miyagi who truly anchors the production. His performance is gentle, funny, and deeply charismatic — and every time the show leans into those iconic Miyagi moments, the audience responds with laughter, nostalgia, and genuine affection. These scenes are where the musical feels most connected to its source material, and they offer glimpses of what the show could become with further refinement.
Despite its strengths, The Karate Kid: The Musical doesn’t always find the emotional depth or narrative clarity needed to elevate it. Within the first twenty minutes, it becomes clear that the show struggles to balance tone, pacing, and character development. Yet even with these challenges, there is potential here — the staging is inventive, the cast are committed, and the heart of the original story still peeks through in moments of humour and sincerity.
For fans of the film, there are plenty of nostalgic touches to enjoy, and the production’s energy is infectious. It may not pack the punch I was hoping for, but it certainly delivers enthusiasm, spectacle, and a few memorable highlights.
The Karate Kid the Musical will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until 1st August. Get your tickets here.
For more information on what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre you can visit their website, Facebook and Instagram.
And don’t forget to check out the official Karate Kid Musical tour website, Facebook and Instagram!
