London is a perfect city to experience Valentine’s Day. There are so many romantic experiences a couple can explore. From indulging in a traditional afternoon tea at a luxurious hotel, to romantic restaurants. Strolling one of London’s beautiful parks, to visiting a museum, or a ride on the iconic London Eye—there are a ton of things to experience. But the best and most exciting thing in our option you can take your loved one to is live theatre—as there is nothing like it!
Thanks to Playbill and the all-new Playbill Partner Hotels Booking Engine and in honor of Valentine’s Day, Playbill is celebrating the best time to couples to see live theatre in London. As a frequent traveler to the West End, here are five shows I recommend taking your loved one to see, including information on tickets and times.
Cabaret
Playhouse Theatre
Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5DE, London, EN
Willkommen. Bienvenue to the Kit Kat Club, home to the intimate and electrifying 2022 Olivier Award-winning production of Cabaret. This production is an incredible experience from entering the building, to departing, with a revolutionary adaptation of the musical. You enter a decadent sanctuary inside Playhouse Theatre, where artists and performers, misfits and outsiders rule the night. Relax. Loosen up. Be yourself. Have a cocktail (or two). And enjoy a perfect date-night production.
And to add to the experience, Tony/Emmy/Grammy winner Billy Porter and Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace are currently performing in the club as “Emcee” and “Sally Bowles”!
Click Here For Tickets and Times
Hadestown
Lyric Theatre (Shaftesbury)
Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1, London, EN
Hadestown is the acclaimed Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical phenomenon by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin. Now playing its West End premiere at the Lyric Theatre (while still running on Broadway!), Hadestown is a favorite with audiences. This musical is poignant, soulful and timeless, making it a perfect date-night performance with the one you'd travel to the Underground for.
And beginning February 11 through March 9, original Broadway cast members Eva Noblezada, André De Shields, Reeve Carney, Amber Gray, and Patrick Page will join the West End production!
Click Here For Tickets and Times
Mamma Mia!
Novello Theatre (formerly Strand)
Aldwych, London WC2B 5LD, London, EN
My, my, how can you resist the world’s favorite feel-good musical?! And to add to its magic, Mamma Mia! just celebrated its 25th anniversary in the West End! Since first opening in London, the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.
You’ll be bopping and clapping in your seats for all the fun this musical celebrates. But more important, your date may nickname you the “Dancing Queen” once the curtain comes down!
Click Here For Tickets and Times
The Phantom of the Opera
Her Majesty's Theatre
Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QL, London, EN
Is there any production more iconic and perfect for Valentine’s Day? Now celebrating its 32nd record-breaking year, this multi-award-winning musical with a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber continues to captivate audiences as the West End’s most haunting love story. Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux and starring Jon Robyns as The Phantom, Lily Kerhoas as Christine Daaé, and Joe Griffiths-Brown as Raoul, The Phantom of the Opera will indulge you in a night of romance, mystery, and breathtaking artistry. It’s an international phenomenon that unmasks emotions, leaving audiences everywhere as breathless as falling in love with your loved one, hence, a perfect date night experience.
Click Here For Tickets and Times
Starlight Express
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
3 Fulton Road, Wembley
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s love story (with trains) Starlight Express is now playing in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. A joyful production (and a perfect date night), you will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing some of musical theatre’s most propulsive songs. I saw this extraordinary production this past August and I still catch myself humming tunes from it, and wishing I could skate like those incredible performers!
Click Here For Tickets and Times
Want to combine your West End performance with a fun date night experience? I also recommend a Thames River Cruise. Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Thames, taking in iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament. Opt for a dinner cruise for a truly romantic ambiance with live music and delicious food. I experienced the London Dinner Cruise on the Thames and it was a 10/10 experience. Check it out!
There are many more shows we recommend, hotels to stay at, and incredible attractions to take your loved ones (or yourselves) to. Keep checking back monthly as we continue sharing things to do in London (and NYC)!
Interested in a trip to New York City or London? Using our Booking Engine to find the right hotel for your stay. Powered by Travelwits, the booking engine allows you to discover the best hotels in both cities, with added benefits like hotel credits, free breakfasts, rewards points, and more. Check out the fantastic hotels available to book and make your experience that much more enjoyable!
