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.

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, concerts, comedy or opera, 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! Not all of these shows are "romantic" per se, but we think they'd fit the bill for a date night.

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.

Book Love Songs by Candlelight tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ambassadors Theatre

Jethro Compton and Darren Clark’s Cornish-set actor-muso folk musical has been a real labour of love, enjoying two runs at the Southwark Playhouse prior to its West End debut. Inspired by F Scott Fitzgerald’s fable of the same name, the titular Benjamin is born an old man and lives his life in reverse, with many highs and lows along the way.

The relationship between Benjamin and his one true love Elowen is exquisitely and painfully rendered. The love and trust demonstrated by the entire multi-tasking ensemble is also a beautiful sight. Bring plenty of tissues – you’ll need them!

Book The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

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!

Book Hadestown tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre

Originally a film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor (who returns to the West End in My Master Builder in April), Moulin Rouge! 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.

Book Moulin Rouge! The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

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.

Book Mamma Mia! tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

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!

Book Ballet Shoes tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Unicorn, Garrick Theatre

For a spiky take on modern relationships, Olivier winner and BAFTA nominee Mike Bartlett (King Charles III, Cock) premieres a funny and provocative new play. To spice things up, Polly and Nick decide to open their marriage to a third party… what could possibly go wrong?

The show reunites television favourites and acclaimed theatre actors Nicola Walker (Last Tango in Halifax) and Stephen Mangan (Green Wing), who previously played a married couple in the BBC’s divorce drama The Split. Erin Doherty (The Crown) co-stars. Bartlett has a knack for capturing the zeitgeist and it will surely provide an impetus for lively conversation!

Book Unicorn tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Cymbeline, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Shakespeare’s late plays are often referred to as “Romances” – not in a lovey-dovey sense, but the way in which they meld comedy and tragedy and a sense of wonder with a (mostly) happy ending. The candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (Shakespeare’s Globe’s indoor space) is the ideal space in which to surrender to these stories, and very romantic.

Set in ancient Britain, a secret marriage is at the heart of Cymbeline, along with intrigue, rebellion, and (in this production) questions about female leadership. It will give you plenty to meditate upon as you head out into the night along the river – is this your first encounter with this lesser-known Shakespeare play or have you seen it before?

Book Cymbeline tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Fawlty Towers, Apollo Theatre

Nothing releases dopamine or brings people together quite like a good belly laugh. Don’t miss the final extension of the side-splitting stage adaptation of beloved sitcom Fawlty Towers, adapted by John Cleese himself.

No, Basil and Sybil Fawlty hardly represent married bliss – far from it, in fact, but they could be taken as role models for how not to run a hotel or conduct a marriage!

Book Fawlty Towers tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Bill Bailey – Thoughtifier, Theatre Royal Haymarket

Black Books star Bill Bailey’s Strictly Come Dancing win was a real feel-good highlight of the difficult year that was 2020. Bailey’s kind and thoughtful brand of comedy will be sure to put you and your date at your ease.

Bailey is also highly musically gifted, and this show promises to be amplified by music. He plays the keyboard, guitar, clarinet, theremin, kazoo, and bongos, among others – how many instruments will feature in this show?

Book Bill Bailey – Thoughtifier tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

The Marriage of Figaro, London Coliseum

Perhaps the most enchanting opera ever written, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro captivates from the very first notes of its sparkling overture. English National Opera’s productions are performed in English, making them accessible to all.

Joe Hill-Gibbins, who directed Duke Bluebeard’s Castle for the ENO in 2024, brings stripped back, contemporary vibes to the evergreen classic in which the servants outwit the masters, a whirlwind comedy of betrothal, betrayal and deliciously bad behaviour. You’ll be utterly smitten.

Book The Marriage of Figaro tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk