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The most romantic London shows to book for Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, treat someone special to a West End play, musical or comedy – here's our round-up of the best date night theatre.

Julia Rank
Written byJulia Rank

Love is in the air! No sooner than Christmas ends, Valentine’s Day floats onto the horizon. A world-class theatre trip is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your beloved. You can also combine it with a meal out before or after the show and dress up for the occasion.

Whether you prefer musicals, plays, or concerts, there’s something for all tastes on the London theatre scene. What’s most important is spending time with a loved one and forming new memories. Theatre memories, of course, are some of the very best!

Love Songs by Candlelight, The Actors’ Church

Hadestown, Lyric Theatre

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre

Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre

Ballet Shoes, National Theatre

The Phantom of the Opera, His Majesty's Theatre

Romeo & Juliet, Harold Pinter Theatre

Shadowlands, Aldwych Theatre

Love Songs by Candlelight, The Actors’ Church

What could be more romantic than an atmospheric concert in a historic church that has close links to the theatrical world in the heart of the Covent Garden? Candlelight and music: it's a gorgeous combination.

The special Valentine’s-themed shows feature exquisite classical versions of a range of romantic music – from pop ballads to musical theatre duets – all performed live by an award-winning string quartet. An enchanted evening indeed.

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Love Songs by Candlelight, The Actors’ Church

Hadestown, Lyric Theatre

Imagine loving someone so much you’d go to hell and back for them… Anais Mitchell’s multi-Tony-winning musical takes the romantic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and blends indie folk, pop, blues, and New Orleans-inspired jazz in a quasi-futuristic setting.

Plus, the original Broadway cast comprising Reeve Carney (Orpheus), Eva Noblezada (Eurydice), André de Shields (Hermes), Amber Gray (Persephone), and Patrick Page (Hades) will be reprising their roles in the West End from 11 February to 9 March. Opportunities like this don’t come around often!

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Hadestown, Lyric Theatre

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre

Originally a film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, Moulin Rouge! The Musical has been captivating West End audiences since 2022. The doomed romance between consumptive courtesan Satine and aspiring musician Christian is a true tear-jerker but there's also plenty of mischief to be had in the meantime.

The score includes pop hits from Elton John, Madonna, Elvis Presley, and many more. With breath-taking production values, it truly is the “sparkling diamond” of the West End.

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Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre

Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre

If you prefer musical comedy, it’s impossible not to leave the long-running ABBA-themed musical without beaming from ear to ear. Sophie is getting married on an idyllic Greek island and wants her father to give her away… the problem is that she’s never met him and there are three possible candidates.

The show celebrates young love and mature love, and the love of family and friends. Unleash your inner dancing queen and let your hair down.

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Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre

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09:00

The Breakfast Club

Head to one of The Breakfast Club’s central London branches for a slap-up English cafe classic.

10:30

Buckingham Palace

Is there anything more British than the changing of the guards? Arrive early for a good spot to watch this historic event, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10.45am.

Ballet Shoes, National Theatre

This family show is wonderfully wholesome entertainment with plenty of appeal for all ages. Based on Noel Streatfeild’s classic children’s novel about three ambitious young orphans who have been raised as sisters, it sticks with the original 1930s setting and sprinkles in a few contemporary-tinged surprises. Katy Rudd’s staging is enchanting, set within a real cabinet of curiosities.

There is a budding romance between two of the adult characters, but, above all, the show celebrates the love shared by found family, the joy of performing, and, for middle child Petrova, the wonder of all things mechanical. Plus, you’ll leave wanting to dance the Charleston!

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Ballet Shoes, National Theatre

The Phantom of the Opera, His Majesty's Theatre

Break your heart into a thousand pieces this Valentine's Day with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. This gothic romance pulses with obsession, jealousy and passion, as young soprano Christine, her vocal mentor the Phantom, and the charming Raoul become trapped in a tragic love triangle. Listen to the music of the night with the moving songs "Masquerade," "All I Ask of You," "Think of Me" and more.

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The Phantom of the Opera, His Majesty's Theatre

Romeo & Juliet, Harold Pinter Theatre

It is the greatest love story of all time — and the perfect choice for your Valentine's date. William Shakespeare's tale of a pair of star-crossed lovers comes to the West End in a bold new version directed by Robert Icke (Oedipus) and starring Stranger Things actor Sadie Sink as Juliet, with her Romeo, Noah Jupe (Hamnet). It will be exciting to see how these two young actors bring fresh relevance to Shakespeare's story of love against the odds.

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Romeo & Juliet, Harold Pinter Theatre

Shadowlands, Aldwych Theatre

Learn about the moving true story of love that developed between acclaimed author C.S. Lewis and the poet Joy Davidman in William Nicholson's play Shadowlands. Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville stars as the author transformed by the arrival of Davidman (played by Maggie Siff). After an initial outing at Chichester Festival Theatre, Shadowlands transfers to the West End. This gorgeous and touching play will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh.

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Shadowlands, Aldwych Theatre