The Karate Kid - Milton Keynes Theatre

The Karate Kid is an iconic film that perfectly epitomises the 1980s, and it has now been transformed into a fresh new musical currently playing at Milton Keynes Theatre.

I've always loved the story of The Karate Kid, and the fact that it is set in 1984 is an added bonus. It's a simple but compelling tale. Daniel and his mother move from New Jersey to California. They may not be wealthy, but his mum is loving, hardworking, and determined to make the best life she can for them.

Of course, Daniel soon encounters the wealthy students at his new school and, inevitably, falls for a rich girl. Ali doesn't care about money, although it's admittedly easier not to care when you already have it. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend Johnny still has feelings for her and doesn't want Daniel anywhere near her. He bullies Daniel, beats him up, and even destroys his bike as a warning. Johnny isn't entirely to blame, however. His dojo sensei, John Kreese, encourages this behaviour. Cobra Kai's motto says it all: Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

As fate would have it, the caretaker who lives in the same apartment building as Daniel and his mother happens to be a karate master. Slowly, Daniel and Mr Miyagi form a close friendship, and Miyagi begins teaching Daniel the skills and values that were passed down to him by his father and grandfather. In an attempt to stop the bullying, Mr Miyagi proposes that Daniel enter a karate tournament. Kreese agrees, but in typical fashion, still seeks to humiliate both Daniel and Miyagi.

Daniel is played by Gino Ochello, and he is absolutely perfect in the role. From his accent and appearance to the warmth and vulnerability he brings to the character, he makes it impossible not to root for Daniel. It's a fantastic performance.

Mr Miyagi, played by Adrian Pang, is phenomenal. There are understandably high expectations attached to such a beloved character, but Pang delivers a flawless performance that captures both Miyagi's wisdom and humanity.

I also took a real shine to Lucille, Daniel's mother, played by Sharon Sexton. She portrays her as kind, loving, and fiercely protective of her son, while still maintaining that distinctive New Jersey edge when required. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance.

At the performance I attended, the role of Ali Mills was played by understudy Elena Breschi. You would never have known she was understudying. She was exceptional, bringing confidence, charm, and great stage presence to the role. She absolutely smashed it.

The musical stays remarkably faithful to the original story, meaning all of your favourite moments are included. I'm often wary about beloved films being turned into musicals, but in this case, it works brilliantly.

The music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini feel perfectly suited to the production. They have an unmistakable 1980s flavour while still sounding fresh and contemporary. I can easily imagine several of these songs becoming future favourites among theatre kids. Performed by a live band, the score adds even more energy and authenticity to the show's retro feel.

I particularly loved the direction, especially the way the ensemble became an extension of the martial arts sequences, helping to emphasise the importance and impact of the movements. The lighting design was also excellent, with the recurring use of red cleverly reflecting Cobra Kai's association with danger and aggression.

The dancers were outstanding throughout, delivering a unique performance heavily influenced by Japanese culture and movement styles. Their energy and precision elevated the production considerably.

I arrived with relatively modest expectations but left genuinely impressed. The Karate Kid is an iconic story, and this musical adaptation gives it the justice it deserves. Whether you're a fan of the film or discovering the story for the first time, you won't be disappointed.

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