Last Minute Valentines West End Theatre

Yes, it's that time of year once again. It barely seems five minutes since you had to rack your brains to think about the perfect Christmas gift for your significant other, and just when you're feeling slightly settled, another holiday creeps up as if from nowhere.

Across the industry, studies show a 50% increase in the proportion of men buying tickets in a bid to impress a Valentine's date. Our number crunching shows that typically London's West End sees a split of around 49% men and 51% women booking theatre tickets, but this rises to 73% in favour of men for 14th February. Believe it or not, men tend to be more disorganised than women - leaving it on average 4 days later to sort out their theatre plans, with the highest concentration of men booking only 3 days beforehand.

If you happen to be one of the many people who leaves Valentines Day shopping to the last minute - fear not. Nothing says romance more than a perfect trip to the theatre, and London's West End certainly has a wide variety of different shows to delight even the hardest valentine. Whether you're after a romantic night watching a famous love story, or would rather spend the evening laughing in the aisles, here's our top picks.

Boy meets girl, girl hates boy. Boy places bet on girl and boy takes girl to Cuba on a date. Boy spikes girl's drink, girl realises she likes boy. Boy tells girl she was a bet, girl gives boy a slap. Boy and girl realise they are actually in love. Isn't this the recipe for true love? When it comes to a classic romantic story, you can't really beat this 50s tuner, Guys and Dolls. With colourful characters, a timelessly funny book and songs that will get your feet tapping, why not treat your Valentine to one of the most popular musicals of all time? This wonderful production opened to strong reviews across the board, and recently announced a move across town later in the year. Treat your other half to a roaring night out, and you never know, luck may well be your lady tonight.

Described as a love child between Avenue Q and The Book of Mormon, this hit American play comes direct from Broadway where it was nominated for a 2015 Tony Award for Best Play. At a time when the world is quite a dark place, sometimes you just want to go to the theatre and laugh...enter Hand to God. Why not treat your valentine to one of the West End's newest comedies, and be among the first in the UK to see this hilarious play. Witty, irreverent, smart and pant-wettingly funny, it will at least make you grateful that your significant other isn't a sock...

With its sweeping score, spectacular sets and remarkable special effects, you can't go wrong with a West End classic. Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is possibly the most romantic musical ever written, and is one that deserves to be seen at least once a year. Set in the Paris Opera House, it's a true testimony to how perseverance can help you win over the object of your affections. Even at this lonely time of year, this musical is the ultimate 'Beauty and the Beast' fairy tale and teaches that looks aren't really everything, but having magic powers and a sexy half mask certainly are. Relive such romantic songs as "The Music of the Night" and "All I Ask Of You", just remember to keep your hand at the level of your eye.

Sometimes the most romantic experiences are those that scare you both half to death, like The Woman in Black. If you fancy holding your other half as tightly as you can in a non-judgy environment, why not go for one of London's most terrifying stage productions to bring you closer together? This haunting play has been spooking audiences for almost 30 years and still has the ability to send a chill down your spine. Nothing quite says love like feeling someone's nails digging into the back of your hand whilst you hold onto your seats in fear. The theatrical equivalent of 'Netflix and Chill'.

Whilst it's certainly no rom-com, Miss Saigon tells one of the most searing romantic tragedies of all time set to an iconic and beautiful score of musical theatre hits. Set in the Vietnam War, American G.I Chris falls for bar girl Kim, and they have a brief yet passionate affair. Then, in true operatic style they're ripped apart from each other never to be seen again, as Kim gives birth to a child and Chris becomes a bigamist. At the very least, you can take comfort in the fact that other people have to face daily challenges in their relationship much greater than your own. Make sure you catch this show before it transfers to Broadway - I promise it will change your life.

Some people don't want to get obsessed with the fluffy romantic stuff, and instead just want to have a bit of a party. Kinky Boots is one of London's best night outs and a perfect treat for that special person in your life. The show celebrates a message of acceptance, inclusion and being who you are and even endorses cross dressing, so you never know, you may find your other half inspired. The energetic cast pull off some fantastic songs by Cyndi Lauper and deliver a fully entertaining evening of theatre that will have you on your feet clapping along. Not one you should miss.