I’ll admit it straight away. I’ve never actually seen the original Karate Kid film.
That made me wonder if I’d be slightly out of the loop walking into the Theatre Royal Glasgow. In reality, it didn’t matter. Within minutes I was drawn in, and after the first song I knew I was hooked. I was invested in the story from that point on, and by the end of the night I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
This is a confident stage adaptation that takes a much-loved story and gives it a fresh identity without losing what made it iconic. It hits the nostalgic moments, but never leans on them too heavily.
Even without seeing the film, I still picked up on a few of the pop culture references woven into the show, including “wax on, wax off”. It lands instantly and adds a layer of familiarity without feeling forced.
The set is minimal, but that’s part of why it works so well. Instead of large scene changes, lighting and movement do most of the work. Scenes shift quickly and cleanly, and the whole production feels sleek. The staging, transitions and design all feel controlled and precise. At times it feels cinematic. One moment you’re in an arcade, the next you’re somewhere quieter and more reflective, all handled with simple but effective choices.
One of the standout moments comes with the first appearance of the Cobra Kai students. Their entrance shifts the atmosphere immediately. It’s sharp, visually striking, and establishes them as a real presence on stage. From there, the ensemble are strong throughout, especially in the fight sequences where choreography and dance merge into fast, precise and exciting set pieces.
The score leans into high-energy ensemble numbers and character-driven moments, keeping the pacing tight while reinforcing the story rather than interrupting it. It moves with momentum and feels fully integrated into the production rather than layered on top of it.
At the centre of it all are two strong performances. Gino Ochello brings warmth and charm to Daniel LaRusso, while Adrian Pang’s Mr Miyagi is calm, understated and quietly funny. Together, they carry the emotional weight of the show without ever overplaying it.
What surprised me most was the audience reaction. There was a definite pantomime feel at times, in the best way. The crowd backed Daniel from the start, cheering him on and even booing Johnny during key moments. It created a strong atmosphere and lifted the entire experience.
That balance is what makes the whole thing work. It’s funny without forcing jokes, emotional without tipping into sentimentality, and full of action without losing clarity. It moves through humour, rivalry, romance and heart naturally.
I see a lot of theatre throughout the year, and very few shows stay with me like this one did. I left the Theatre Royal Glasgow smiling and impressed by how complete it felt.
Whether you grew up with the original or are discovering it for the first time, this is a rare adaptation that feels fresh, focused and fully realised.
The Karate Kid: The Musical is at Theatre Royal Glasgow until Saturday 4th July 2026. Book tickets here.
Rating: 5/5
