Rehearsal images released for UK premiere of The Karate Kid - The Musical

Shehrazade Zafar-Arif 13 April, 2026, 16:32

First look rehearsal images have been released for the new musical adaptation of The Karate Kid, which will have its UK premiere at the New Wimbledon Theatre later this month.

Abigail Amin and the cast of THE KARATE KID. Photo by Danny Kaan.

About The Karate Kid - The Musical

Inspired by the beloved 1984 martial arts film film, this heartfelt coming of age story follows Daniel DeRusso as he struggles to adapt to a new life in a new town, butting heads with school bully and star of the Cobra Kai dojo, Johnny Lawrence. But his life takes a turn when he finds a mentor in the wise Mr Miyagi. Soon Daniel begins training in the art of karate, preparing to face off with Johnny in a karate tournament, while learning how to apply martial arts to real life, and that true strength comes from within.

The cast

The Karate Kid - The Musical stars Adrian Pang as Mr Miyagi, Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso, Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso, and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.

The creative team

This new stage adaptation features a book by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 film that launched a 40-year global franchise, and music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini. It 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, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman, orchestrations by John Clancy, and music supervision and arrangements by Andrew Resnick.