The Karate Kid – The Musical will arrive at New Theatre Oxford this June as the 1984 film is reworked for the stage with music, movement and a new touring cast.
At a glance
| Show | The Karate Kid – The Musical |
| Where | New Theatre Oxford, 24–26 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG |
| When | Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June 2026 |
| Performance times | Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm |
| Running time | About 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval, according to current tour listings |
| Age guidance | 6+, with parental guidance recommended |
| Tickets | Available through ATG Tickets |
One of cinema’s best-known coming-of-age stories is heading to Oxford, with The Karate Kid – The Musical playing New Theatre Oxford from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June.
The stage version brings Daniel LaRusso, Mr Miyagi, Ali Mills, Johnny Lawrence and Cobra Kai to the theatre as part of a major UK tour, following the musical’s UK premiere earlier this spring.
Based on the 1984 film written by Robert Mark Kamen, the musical keeps the central story of Daniel, a teenager trying to find his place after moving to a new town, and Mr Miyagi, the quiet mentor who teaches him that karate is about balance, discipline and respect rather than fighting.
What is The Karate Kid musical about?
The musical follows Daniel LaRusso as he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s star student, Johnny Lawrence. As the rivalry grows, Daniel finds support from Mr Miyagi, whose lessons begin with chores and patience before revealing something deeper about confidence, control and self-respect.
The production reimagines the film through songs, choreography and martial arts-inspired movement, rather than simply recreating the movie scene by scene.
Its Oxford stop comes at a time when the wider Karate Kid story remains familiar to several generations, from those who grew up with the original film to younger audiences who discovered the franchise through Cobra Kai.
Who is in the cast?
Adrian Pang leads the touring company as Mr Miyagi, with Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso. Abigail Amin plays Ali Mills, Joe Simmons plays Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills plays John Kreese, Sharon Sexton plays Lucille LaRusso, and Finley Oliver plays Freddie Fernandez.
The ensemble includes Ambra Caserotti, Johndeep More, Ria Tanaka, Elena Breschi, Aden Dzuda, Elliott Evans, El Haq Latief, Isaac J Lewis, Emily Rose-Davis, Aaron Archer, Dylan Blake-Colbet, Serenar Douch, Esme Rothero and Sok-Ho Trinh.
Cast highlights
| Mr Miyagi | Adrian Pang |
| Daniel LaRusso | Gino Ochello |
| Ali Mills | Abigail Amin |
| Johnny Lawrence | Joe Simmons |
| John Kreese | Matt Mills |
| Lucille LaRusso | Sharon Sexton |
Who is behind the musical?
The book is by Robert Mark Kamen, who wrote the original film, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
The production is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid. The creative team also includes 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, and musical supervision and arrangements by Andrew Resnick.
Kamen said the story remained “as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago”, as the same characters now move from screen to stage for British audiences.
The musical had its world premiere at STAGES St Louis in 2022 before this UK touring production.
Why Oxford audiences may be interested
For New Theatre Oxford, the booking adds another large-scale screen-to-stage musical to a calendar that regularly draws audiences from across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.
Theatre fans can expect a show built around movement and physical storytelling as much as songs, with the mentor-student relationship between Daniel and Mr Miyagi still at the centre.
The original film also has a continuing cultural pull. Pat Morita, who played Mr Miyagi in the 1984 film, received an Academy Award nomination for Actor in a Supporting Role at the 57th Academy Awards.
Performance details and booking
| Date | Performance |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 9 June | 7.30pm |
| Wednesday 10 June | 7.30pm |
| Thursday 11 June | 2.30pm and 7.30pm |
| Friday 12 June | 7.30pm |
| Saturday 13 June | 2.30pm and 7.30pm |
Tickets are available through ATG Tickets. ATG’s booking calendar showed opening-night tickets from £15.60 when checked, although live ticket prices may change.
Current tour information lists the production as approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval. Age guidance is 6+, with parental guidance recommended.
Content guidance for the tour includes flashing lights, strobe effects, mist, loud noises, strong language, adult themes and violence.
Getting to New Theatre Oxford
New Theatre Oxford is on George Street in the city centre, close to Oxford railway station and several city centre bus routes.
Visitors driving into Oxford should allow extra time for city centre traffic and parking. Those with access needs should check arrangements before booking. The venue’s access information includes level access to the box office and main foyer, wheelchair positions at the rear of the stalls, accessible toilets and an infrared sound amplification system.
Full tour dates
| Dates | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 28 April to Saturday 9 May | Wimbledon | New Wimbledon Theatre |
| Tuesday 12 to Saturday 23 May | Manchester | Palace Theatre |
| Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May | Leeds | Grand Theatre |
| Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 June | Liverpool | Empire Theatre |
| Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June | Oxford | New Theatre |
| Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 June | Milton Keynes | Milton Keynes Theatre |
| Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 June | Edinburgh | Festival Theatre |
| Tuesday 30 June to Saturday 4 July | Glasgow | Theatre Royal |
| Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July | Sheffield | Lyceum Theatre |
| Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July | Sunderland | Empire Theatre |
| Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 July | Birmingham | The Alexandra |
| Tuesday 28 July to Saturday 1 August | Cardiff | Wales Millennium Centre |
FAQs
When is The Karate Kid – The Musical at New Theatre Oxford?
The show runs at New Theatre Oxford from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June 2026.
What time are the Oxford performances?
Evening performances are at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Matinees take place on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
Who plays Mr Miyagi?
Adrian Pang plays Mr Miyagi in the UK touring production.
Who plays Daniel LaRusso?
Gino Ochello plays Daniel LaRusso.
Is The Karate Kid musical suitable for children?
Current tour guidance lists the show as suitable for ages 6+, with parental guidance recommended. The production includes flashing lights, strobe effects, mist, loud noises, strong language, adult themes and violence.
How can people book tickets?
Tickets can be booked through ATG Tickets.
