THE KARATE KID THE MUSICAL Will Embark on UK Premiere Tour in 2026

A UK premiere production of THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL will embark on a major UK Tour next spring, prior to the West End and Broadway. Written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie that launched a 40-year strong global franchise, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 28 April, before touring nationwide to Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Sheffield, Sunderland, Birmingham and Cardiff, until Saturday 1 August 2026. Tickets go on sale from today at 10am (further dates to be announced). 

The original Karate Kid blockbuster starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi enjoyed spectacular box office success and wide critical acclaim, with Morita receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The movie fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). This year saw the release of the sixth movie, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL received its world premiere in St. Louis, USA in 2022, playing to sold out houses with rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Bringing the original, now legendary 1984 film to life on stage, this heart-felt coming of age story is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling. At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn't about fighting, it's about balance, dignity, and respect. 

A Tony Award-winning design team transforms iconic cinematic moments into an emotionally charged, kinetic stage experience. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations. Destiny is in your hands - wax on - wax off.

THE KARATE KID writer and creator Robert Mark Kamen says: “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.”

Written by Robert Mark Kamen with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervisor and arrangements by Andrew Resnick, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman. Produced by Naoya Kinoshita,  Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore and Kenny Wax.  Casting to be announced.

Tour Dates

Tue 28 Apr – Sat 9 May  
WIMBLEDON New Wimbledon Theatre
93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG
atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Tue 12 - Sat 23 May 
MANCHESTER Palace Theatre
97 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT
atgtickets.com/manchester        

Tue 26 – Sat 30 May  
LEEDS Grand Theatre - ONSALE SOON
46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NU
leedsheritagetheatres.com | 0113 243 0808

Tue 2 – Sat 6 June  
LIVERPOOL Empire Theatre
Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE
atgtickets.com/liverpool

Tue 9 – Sat 13 June  
OXFORD New Theatre
24-26 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AG
atgtickets.com/oxford

Tue 16 – Sat 20 June  
MILTON KEYNES Milton Keynes Theatre
500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ


atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Tue 30 Jun – Sat 4 July  
GLASGOW Theatre Royal
297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN
atgtickets.com/Glasgow

Tue 7 – Sat 11 July  
SHEFFIELD Lyceum Theatre
55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 1DA


sheffieldtheatres.co.uk | 0114 249 6000

Tue 14 – Sat 18 July  
SUNDERLAND Empire
4-5 High St, West Sunderland SR1 3EX
atgtickets.com/sunderland

Tue 21 – Sat 25 July  
BIRMINGHAM The Alexandra
Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham B5 4DS
atgtickets.com/birmingham

Tue 28 July – Sat 1 Aug  
CARDIFF Wales Millennium Centre - ONSALE SOON
Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL
wmc.org.uk | 029 2063 6464