KARATE MAN is the world’s first playable comedy show.
A chaotic choose-your-own-adventure, using an actual video game controller.
What is Karate Man?
You take your seat. A controller gets passed your way. From then on, you and the rest of the audience are running the show.
Every button press shapes Karate Man's story. PUNCH. KICK. JUMP. ETC. Whatever the audience chooses, Karate Man must obey.
Our story begins in 198X.
Karate Man has defeated the nefarious Ross Roundkick and peace is restored to Karatetown. Many years pass... it is now 20XX. And our hero must face his greatest challenge yet: ordinary life.
Command Karate Man through an expansive branching adventure, as he battles his inner demons, his outer enemies, and the looming threat of [ DIVORCE ] .
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.
Buy tickets
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SOON
UK & Europe TourMORE DATES INCOMINGFollow our Instagram to stay up to date xx -
AUG 14
12:30AM · 2026EDINBURGH FRINGEBedlam Theatre · One night only★ -
JUN 22
– JUN 24, 2026HEN & CHICKENS THEATREIslington · London · UK★
Want to book Karate Man for your venue? Get in touch
Reviews
Critics + Audience
A brilliantly constructed comedy that will have you eagerly waiting for your turn. Dubosarsky is incredible as Karate Man, remaining committed to the hero persona.
It's an hour of fun and humour which is more engrossing than most other shows. I've never seen a show like this — phenomenal sound, costume, and technical design.
This whole cast was really fantastic… a unique way of doing comedy that I haven't seen before. It felt fresh and authentically edgy.
Demonstrates the intelligence and skill that goes into absurdist comedy. The level of audience interaction embedded in the performance is a whole other triumph.
★ 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
Contact us
Book the show
Email us if you’d like to see Karate Man at your venue/festival/house.
Follow the show
Instagram · @karatemanshow
Facebook · Karatemanshow
▾ 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