Karate Man: A Live-Action Video Game
Karate Man is the world’s first playable comedy show. A nostalgic choose-your-own-adventure, using an actual video game controller.
WinnerBest Interactive, Adelaide Fringe 2025
FinalistBest Interactive, Sydney Fringe 2024- FinalistBest Comedy, Sydney Fringe 2023
“The audience participation is thick and fast! It is side-splittingly hilarious and such a cool and unique concept.”
“The single greatest audience-controlled live stage show.”
“The concept behind Beak Comedy’s production is genuinely brilliant and highly original.”
“Spectacularly funny and one of the most original interactive shows to hit the stage!”
“This is my third time watching Karate Man and I would come back a million more times.”
“There is nothing like this kind of performance anywhere else.”
“It re-installed my childlike wonder.”
“Never wanes in its ability to surprise and delight.”
“I spent a huge portion of my laughter this week in 50 minutes!”
“Creates a sense of community and keeps everyone involved and invested in the unfolding narrative.”
“Karate Man is the greatest comedy show I’ve ever seen. This is my eighth time and I saw new stuff tonight.”
“One of the highlights of Fringe, a subversive and incredibly novel piece of interactive theatre.”
“Stupid and silly in all the best ways, and I’m still not over how well the controller worked.”
“An inimitable romp of a comedy show.”
“My faith in Fringe is restored! A novel, nostalgic and hilarious concept!”
“I’ve never seen a show like this. Phenomenal sound, costume, and technical design.”
“This show is everything that is right about fringe festival.”
“Refreshingly original.”
“Blew my adult gamer mind. One of the best forms of audience interaction I’ve ever seen.”
“A brilliantly constructed comedy that will have you eagerly waiting for your turn.”
“One of the most interesting and probably the most creative shows I’ve seen, not just at Fringe, just in general.”
“Takes audience interaction to a whole new level.”
“Hilarious, unique and surprisingly heart-warming.”
“A night out full of heart and humour.”
“Karate Man saved my marriage.”
“The power of this controller is something otherworldly.”
“So unique, so unexpectedly emotional, so freaking funny. I had the time of my life.”
What is Karate Man?
You and your fellow audience members play the lead role in Karate Man by taking turns on the video game controller.
Every button you press will command Karate Man and shape his story. PUNCH. JUMP. PAUSE. ETC. Whatever you press, he must obey.
In 198X, Karate Man defeated Ross Roundkick and restored peace to Karatetown. Now, in 20XX, our hero must face his greatest foe yet: domestic life.
Which chore will he do? What job will he apply for?
What special abilities will he get along the way?
And will he listen to his wife when she needs him most?
The choice is yours.
Not his.
the power of the controller
A bespoke mix of software runs the whole show like an actual video game. Every button press on the controller triggers a sound cue (hit green, hear “PUNCH”) which commands Karate Man to reflexively perform each move.
★ Watch more ★
★ Buy merch at the show ★
Controller Pin
Metal pins, looks great on Jacket or Hat.
Design · Gloria Wan
Character Stickers
Crazy cool stickers for each character in the show. I kinda can't believe these exist.
Design · Gloria Wan
Game Manual Zine
A detailed 40-page game manual, full of tips, tricks, bios, lore, behind-the-scenes and some cheat codes. :O
Design · Steph Ryan
▾ Show full credits ▾
Audrey ClarkTom WaddellNick HarriottGemma WinterTheo MurrayGloria WanLachlan SnellLily CraigNat ScarrattMichael RichardsonLuke TisherJames LeesLizzie McRaeRobbie CurtisSteph RyanJon GraceyAlex GabbottViv EganTim McNaughtBella SaltearnAdam DisneyFinlay StroudCaroline BartonLachlan WernerLuke TonioloEmma WiltshireJack Savage
2023–2026 BEAK Comedy Privacy
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