The Karate Kid - Milton Keynes Theatre

The Karate Kid is an iconic film which epitomises the 1980’s.  It is now a fresh new musical and is in Milton Keynes Theatre this week.

I always liked the story of The Karate Kid and that it’s set in 1984 is a bonus.  It’s a simple story.  Daniel and his mum move to California from Jersey.  They are not rich but his mum is loving and hard working and they do their best.  However, there are the dripping rich in his school too and guess what?  He falls for a rich girl.  Ali doesn’t care about money but then its easy to not care when you have it.  Her ex-boyfriend, Johnny is still bothering her and he doesn’t want Daniel anywhere near her.  He beats up Daniel and breaks his bike ‘as a warning’.  Its not completely his fault – his Do Jo Master, John Kreese teaches this.  The Cobra Kai motto is Strike First.  Strike Hard.  No Mercy.  But love has a way of overcoming this and as fate would have it, the caretaker who lives in the same building as Daniel and his mum just happens to be a Karate Master himself.  Slowly both Miyagi and Daniel become friends and Mr Miyagi teaches Daniel what he was taught from his father and grandfather before him.  To stop the bullying, Mr Miyagi suggests they go into a competition and John agrees although he is rather underhand and still wants to humiliate both Daniel and Miyagi.

Daniel is played by Gino Ochello and he is absolutely perfect in the role.  His accent, his look and how Gino plays Daniel so we take him to our hearts is how you want him to be.  A fantastic performance.

Mr Miyagi is played by Adrian Pang and he is phenomenal in the role.  You have a lot of expectations as Mr Miyagi is a much loved character but Adrian delivers flawlessly.  I also really took a shine to Lucille, Daniels mum played by Sharon Sexton.  She was kind and loving but also has that Jersey edge to her should anyone hurt her son.  Loved her performance.  At tonight’s performance Ali Mills was played by Elena Breschi and she was incredible in the role. You would not know she was the understudy. Absolutely smashed it.  

The musical runs very close to the original story so all your favourite bits are in the show.  I am always wary about everything being turned into a musical, but in this example, it works perfectly.  The music and lyrics are by Drew Gasparini and they not only feel right for the show, in almost an 80’s way but also feel fresh and I believe that these numbers will easily turn into theatre kid’s classics.  And played by a live band made it feel even more 80’s.  

I really loved the direction and how the ensemble become a part of the karate moves to exaggerate the importance of the moves.  Lighting was also on point, and the red was a good use of the Cobra Kai as red symbolises danger.  The dancers were absolutely fantastic giving a unique performance with a lot of Japanese influence.  I came not having huge expectations and came away really impressed.  This is an iconic story and the musical does it the justice it deserves.  You will not be disappointed.  

The Karate Kid The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 20 June.