Karate Man – A Live-Action Video Game
A comedy you play like a video game: a real controller is passed around the audience, and whoever holds it controls the hero.
Following its Edinburgh Fringe debut, sell-out shows across Australia and a Best Interactive win at Adelaide Fringe 2025, Karate Man, the show where the audience is in total control with a gaming controller, is coming to the Pleasance. A real video game controller is passed around the room. Every button press triggers a sound cue, and Karate Man must obey, instantly. Audience members take turns choosing what he does, where he goes, who he meets and what he'll PUNCH, KICK or EXTRACT HEART from next, working together to reach a Good Ending. 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? He saved Karatetown, but can he save... his marriage? The cast improvise as the non-player characters, responding to whatever the audience commands, so every night is different. "Genuinely brilliant and highly original" - London Theatre Reviews "Spectacularly funny" - On The House (5 stars) Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 November 2026, 7:40pm. Pleasance London (Studio). Tickets £15 / £10 concession. 50 minutes. Ages 15+. Contains strobe lighting and loud noises.
Organizer
BEAK ComedyVenue
Pleasance London (Studio)
Category
Theatrical GamesTag
ComedyStart date
November 16th, 2026
End date
November 17th, 2026
Audience Role
The audience are the players. A real video game controller is passed around the room, and each audience member can take a turn controlling Karate Man with the buttons (punch, kick, jump, grab and more). Everyone else can shout suggestions. No one has to take a turn.
Ages: 15 +
Content Advisories
Interaction Advisories
Mobility Advisories
Tags
1
Events
1
Years on EI
About BEAK Comedy
BEAK Comedy is a comedy company founded in Sydney and now based in the UK. We make interactive shows, including Karate Man – A Live-Action Video Game, where the audience controls the hero with a real video game controller. Winner, Best Interactive, Adelaide Fringe 2025.