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Love is a Stage: Plays about love for every kind of Valentine's Day

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Two men are joyfully embracing and kissing on a stage decorated with white balloons. One person lifts the other as they share a moment of celebration. They are surrounded by a dark backdrop with hanging strings and scattered balloons on the floor.

Skip the usual Valentine’s Day clichés and experience love in a new way: through theatre that explores the many sides of relationships.

We’ve curated a selection of plays perfect for celebrating every kind of love, from romance to familial bonds and self-love, which can all be watched from the comfort of your own home with a National Theatre at Home subscription. Whether you’re looking for a classic tragedy or a contemporary comedy, we’ve got something for everyone.

See the collection on National Theatre at Home.

Romantic Love: From first blush to timeless devotion

Let’s start with the classics, but with a twist. No Valentine’s Day theatre list would be complete without the ultimate tale of star-crossed lovers: Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s masterpiece explores the intoxicating highs and devastating lows of young love, reminding us of its enduring power.

For a modern perspective on matters of the heart, consider The Effect by Lucy Prebble. This thought-provoking play explores the complexities of attraction and connection, blurring the lines between love, lust, and the influence of science.

Together, these plays offer a fascinating look at the spectrum of romantic experience, from the innocent rush of first love to the more intricate and sometimes challenging aspects of human connection.

Family Love: Bonds that endure

Love isn’t just about romance; the bond between family members is just as powerful. Dear Octopus by Dodie Smith is a heartwarming exploration of a large family gathering, showcasing the enduring love and interconnectedness that spans generations.

If you would like something suited for a multi-generational Valentine’s Day viewing, this is the perfect theatre show for families.

Friendship: The love we choose

Our friends are our chosen family, and their love is a vital part of our lives. Plays like Our Generation offer a glimpse into the lives of young people navigating the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood.

Based on real-life interviews, Our Generation captures the hopes, dreams, and anxieties of teenagers as they grapple with identity, relationships, and their place in the world. It highlights the importance of connection and support during these formative years, showcasing how friendships can be a lifeline through challenging times.

Self-Love: The most important relationship

However, before we can truly love others, we must love ourselves. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s one-woman play Fleabag, while not explicitly about romance, powerfully portrays a woman’s journey towards self-acceptance and healing.

This darkly comedic play is a testament to the importance of self-love, resilience, and finding humour in the face of adversity.

Open Gallery Dialog: 7 images A person with short hair in a hospital gown lies in a bed with an IV drip, looking up at another person with light curly hair, wearing a red sweater and overalls, who is sitting beside them. They appear to be sharing a tender moment.
A person with short hair in a hospital gown lies in a bed with an IV drip, looking up at another person with light curly hair, wearing a red sweater and overalls, who is sitting beside them. They appear to be sharing a tender moment.
A person with short hair in a hospital gown lies in a bed with an IV drip, looking up at another person with light curly hair, wearing a red sweater and overalls, who is sitting beside them. They appear to be sharing a tender moment.
View 7 images
A man and a woman in ornate historical costumes share a passionate kiss on a dimly lit stage. The man wears a floral blue jacket and has curly white hair, while the woman wears a colorful dress with elaborate hair styling. A group of six people posing energetically for a photo. One person holds a rugby ball while others cheer with foam fingers. They're wearing casual clothes, and another person is taking the picture from the front. A (Oliver Chris) man wearning a patterned blue suit, strides across stage, a bunch of flowers in one hand and a teddy bear in the other. A sports car, scooter and musicians are in the background. Jessie Buckley and Josh O'Connor, kneeling together on the floor, surrounded by candles, in Romeo & Juliet Three men are in a lively kitchen. One man in an orange shirt and camouflage overalls gestures energetically. Another in a yellow bandana and striped apron stirs a large pot. The third man, in a black T-shirt, looks attentively into the pot.

Celebrating every kind of love

Stream your perfect Valentine’s Day theatre show on National Theatre at Home

Looking for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Explore the National Theatre at Home’s collection of plays and find the perfect performance to share with loved ones.

From romantic plays to shows about family bonds and self-love, we have a story for every kind of heart. Visit National Theatre at Home today to explore!

Host your own Galentine’s watch party

Stream the live subscriber-exclusive premiere of Waitress: The Musical as we celebrate the power of friendship, dreams and the beauty of a well-baked pie. Sara Bareilles features in this Tony-nominated Broadway phenomenon.

Streaming live on 14 February from 7pm GMT on National Theatre at Home.

A woman in a nurse outfit stands surrounded by four people kneeling and holding different pies around her. The scene is dimly lit, creating a theatrical atmosphere on a checkered floor.

 

 

Photography by Marc Brenner, Helen Murray, Helen Maybanks and Brinkhoff Mogenburg.