The Karate Kid: The Musical @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

It takes a kick of bravery to make a fresh start in this new musical based on the iconic 80s movie. Daniel LaRusso (played passionately in this performance by Isaac J Lewis) and his mum, Lucille (Sharon Sexton) certainly need a healthy helping of this as they leave Jersey behind and build their lives a new town.

It doesn’t take long before Daniel makes an enemy in the form of Johnny (Joe Simmons), who is less than pleased in the interest his ex-girlfriend Ali (Abigail Amin) has in the new kid on the block. But thankfully for Daniel, help comes in the unlikely form of maintenance man Mr. Miyagi, played with charm, humour and heart by Adrian Pang. 

Directed by Amon Miyamoto, this production is vibrant and energetic, with an accomplished orchestra led by John Clancy adding an infectious rhythm to the highs and lows on stage as the teenagers face choices about who they want to be. The musical boasts an engaging new score from composer and lyricist Drew Gasparini, while choreographers Keone and Mari Madrid have created impactful scenes which are performed with precision by the talented ensemble, from the booming rhythm of 'Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy' at the Kobra Kai training session to the heartfelt 'Kiyoko, My Love.'

Little touches like prompting the audience to whoop along at the crescendo of the duel between Johnny and Daniel at the tournament are engaging and effective, as are the swiftly changing set pieces, designed by Derek McLane. The audience is transported from Mr Miyagi’s workshop, to Ali’s upmarket house on the hills, to the dark and impressive Kobra Kai dojo with ease.

Overall, this production is a fun, well executed nostalgic revisit to a story which teaches the importance of balance and acceptance over violence and bravado – a message which reliably packs an effective punch. 

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The Karate Kid: The Musical, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, run ended; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, til 4 Jul