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.
We hope you're hungry Leeds, because a big festival dedicated to all things food is coming to Temple Newsam.
The Temple Newsam Food Festival is now in its second year after a resounding first edition, aiming to celebrate cultural diversity, independent businesses, and global cuisine.
It will take place this weekend on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, with the beautiful and historic Temple Newsam providing the perfectly picturesque location.
The festival will celebrate local talent, independent businesses, world cultures and international flavours.
The Street Food Arena will feature an array of global cuisines, cultural delicacies, and irresistible desserts whilst the event's bustling Artisan Markets will showcase a plethora of small businesses and local entrepreneurs offering freshly-baked goods, quality produce. hand-made crafts, unique experiences, vibrant art, and much more.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it doesn't stop there as festival-goers can enjoy a selection of independent bars serving cocktails, specialty spirits, fresh cider, wine and beer.
This year there will be a huge focus on live cookery demos, with ten demonstrations from a whole range of talented chefs including Leeds' own Josh Whitehead of Finer Pleasures, Bobby Geetha of Kerala Canteen and stars from Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off.
And it's not just about food and drink, as new for this year there will be a dog show, plenty of live music and lots of fun activities such as inflatable jousting and target paintball.
Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here.
Family-run Thai street food stall made famous in Leeds Kirkgate Market to open brand-new restaurant
Clementine Hall
One of Kirkgate Market's best hidden gems is growing.
If you're a fan of all things Thai then you'll most likely know about Khao Gaeng Thai.
This family-run street food stall is known for its quick-service Thai food at brilliant prices.
They serve everything from zingy papaya salad and crispy chicken with rice to your classic Pad Thai noodles with your choice of protein.
And if you're looking for a hearty meal to keep you full throughout the day then this is the spot, as the portions are absolutely huge.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Much to our excitement, Khao Gaeng Thai has now opened its second site over on Burley Road which has a bigger kitchen plus its own seating area for you to relax and enjoy the food.
Announcing the news to Instagram, they said: "We’re so excited to announce that Khao Gaeng Thai – Thai Kitchen, our SECOND location, is NOW OPEN! And don’t worry — our original Khao Gaeng Thai at Kirkgate Market is staying OPEN as usual!
"Thanks to all the incredible support we’ve received from our customers at Kirkgate Market over the years, we’ve been able to take this exciting next step and open a second Khao Gaeng Thai.
"At our new Thai Kitchen on Burley Road, you’ll find even more dishes, more choice, and a relaxed sit-down restaurant experience — all with the authentic Thai flavours you know and love.
"So now you can enjoy Khao Gaeng Thai at TWO locations in Leeds! Thank you for helping our little Khao Gaeng Thai family grow. We can’t wait to welcome you!"
We couldn't be happier for the team and can't wait to check out their new space.
Daisy Jackson -
24th October 2025 
