The Karate Kid, the iconic 1984 film that launched a multi-decade global franchise, is coming to the stage in a new musical production. Producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, and Kenny Wax have announced that THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL will embark on a major UK tour in Spring 2026, with plans to transfer to both the West End and Broadway afterwards.
The UK premiere opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The tour will then travel nationwide, hitting cities including Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Cardiff, concluding on August 1. Tickets are on sale now.
This stage adaptation is particularly notable as it is written by Robert Mark Kamen, the original screenwriter of the 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini. The production received its world premiere in St. Louis, USA, in 2022 to sold-out houses and critical acclaim.
The musical reimagines the beloved coming-of-age story of Daniel LaRusso and his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, through a blend of movement, music, and energetic storytelling. At its core remains Miyagi’s central lesson: that karate is about balance, dignity, and respect, not merely fighting.
Kamen expressed his surprise and delight at the musical’s journey: "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.”
Directed by Amon Miyamoto and featuring a Tony Award-winning design team, the production translates the film’s iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience, honouring the timeless themes of mentorship and resilience. Casting details are still to be announced.
