Review: Karate Kid The Musical packs a punch at Milton Keynes Theatre

It’s been 42 years since the original film starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita was released – and it’s not one I remember seeing at the time, so I was a bit hazy on the plot.

For those in need of a refresh like me, here’s the blurb... “Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai's relentless star student, Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny's ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn't about fighting, it's about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within.”

Gino Ochello stars as ‘Karate Kid’ Daniel LaRusso. He was making his professional stage debut in this production and, wow, he delivered a knock-out performance for sure. He was perfect for the role, singing and dancing with aplomb – but it was the chemistry with his mentor Mr Miyagi (Adrian Pang) where the show hit its greatest heights.

Moments of humour were plentiful as Mr Miyagi agrees to train up Daniel after entering him in a karate tournament to keep the bullies at bay.

“Any last minute advice?,” the student asks on the eve of the tournament – “don’t get hit” is the reply.

There were regular subtle and funny misunderstandings brought about by Mr Miyagi not 100% grasping the English language. And, in complete contrast, also a touching scene where we learnt about Mr Miyagi’s tragic family back story.

Throughout the evening you could feel the relationship and bond growing between the two characters.

The cast as a whole were extremely likeable, whether that was love interest Ali (a stand-out performance by stand-in Elena Breschi), or Daniel’s mum Lucille (Sharon Sexton, who treated us to a superb duet with her on-stage son).

The Cobra Kai students were brilliant and believable as a nasty mob, with star fighter Johnny Lawrence (Joe Simmons) gunning for our hero who was getting romantically involved with Ali, his ex-girlfriend. They were led by the vicious John Kreese (Matt Mills) who lived by the aggressive motto "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy".

The choreography for the gang’s martial arts dance moves was extremely impressive – particularly in the opening number of Act 2 ‘Typical Ali Mills’. In fact, the dancing throughout was of a high standard – the country club staff scene being another case in point.

Karate Kid is at MK Theatre until Saturday. So, chop, chop... don’t delay picking up some tickets. They’re available at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.