Iconic 80s film The Karate Kid has now been reimagined as a stage musical - and it's coming to Leeds next spring.
The Karate Kid - The Musical will be heading out on its UK premiere tour in 2026, including a run of dates at the Grand Theatre and Opera House in Leeds.
The musical follows the same themes as the original, legendary 1984 film, a coming-of-age story that follows the relationship and teachings between Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi.
It's not just about karate, it's about resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations, and on the stage you can expect movement, music, and energetic storytelling too.
The original blockbuster starred Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita and has gone down in history as one of cinema's greatest films, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination.
It's become a major global franchise, including three movie sequels, a remake with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and a Netflix series (Cobra Kai).
The Karate Kid - The Musical made its world premiere in 2022, selling out theatres and earning rave reviews.
Those iconic cinematic moments are brought to life on the stage by a Tony Award-winning design team.
The Karate Kid - The Musical is heading on a major UK tour before it hits the West End and Broadway.
It's written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
Kamen says: "William Goldman said about Hollywood "No one knows anything." He was right.
"Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for THE KARATE KID, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago."
The Karate Kid - The Musical is in Leeds between 26 and 30 May 2026.
The Leeds School Uniform Exchange is returning to the city bigger and better than before.
This year, the Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up shop at The Merrion Centre will be significantly expanded to support families across the city ahead of the new school year.
Following the success of last year’s initiative, this year’s pop-up will feature a larger retail space, more stock available to give away, and an extended schedule of opening dates throughout the school holidays.
The pop-up is run by Leeds charity Wear and Share Leeds, that promotes sustainability and community support, providing pre-loved school uniforms at no cost and with no referral required.
Image: Supplied
The initiative forms part of the growing city-wide movement led by the Leeds School Uniform Exchange, encouraging families to reuse school uniform rather than buy new.
Families are invited to drop in, browse, and take what they need. Items typically include shirts, polos, trousers, skirts, blazers and jumpers; P.E. kits; shoes and accessories (subject to availability).
All items are sorted by size and school where possible. Uniform donations are also welcome and can be dropped off at the pop-up during opening hours.
Image: Supplied
The Leeds School Uniform Exchange pop-up shop can be found on the upper balcony level within The Merrion Centre and will run on selected dates from Wednesday 22 July until 29 August from 10am-3pm.
Tracy Morgan, co-manager of Leeds School Uniform Exchange, said: “Over the years, our community's support has been incredible. By sharing pre-loved uniform, we've been able to help so many families and reduce textile waste at the same time. This year, with a bigger presence in the city centre, we hope to reach even more families.”
Debbie Binnersley, co-manager, added: “The Leeds School Uniform Exchange has already made a real difference for thousands of families, saving them hundreds of thousands of pounds. Expanding the Merrion Centre pop-up means we can go even further this summer.”
Cult Manchester matcha brand opens in Leeds for a summer residency
Clementine Hall
Now this is one you'll have definitely seen on your timeline.
Matcha Kyoto has gone crazy over in Manchester, with pop-ups all over the city and now with a permanent spot that constantly has queues out the door.
And now, they're bringing their little slice of Japan to Leeds with their famous matcha drinks topped with the satisfying cream swirls and glorious banana pudding.
Images: The Hoot leeds
The matcha from here is about and good and as authentic as it gets, using specialist matcha from Kyoto and whisking it to an exact science. Because trust us, it really is that deep.
They've come to Leeds in the form of a pop-up Japanese brunch cafe at Habbibi, which is located on the scenic Victoria Gate rooftop - making it the perfect spot to sip an iced matcha while soaking up the city views.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Drinks wise you can choose your base of matcha or hōjicha, then customise it however you fancy with flavours like ube, strawberry and mango.
They’re also selling premium matcha over the counter, so you can take home the same quality tea that they use in-store.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Alongside the matcha drinks you'll be able to get your hands on their pocket sandos, fluffy shokupan bread stuffed with everything from tamago prawn and teryaki chicken to bulgogi steak.
They're open now and serving every day until Wednesday 12 August, so if you've been curious to see why people happily queue around the block for their drinks, this is your chance to give them a warm Leeds welcome before they're gone.
Daisy Jackson -
24th October 2025 
