Romeo & Juliet Reimagined At Barbican
For one night only, this performance is guaranteed to be a sell-out so book ahead if you want to woo your chosen one with a unique show. On Valentine’s Day this year, Barbican is teaming up with Backyard Cinema for a very special version of Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 take on Romeo and Juliet, reimagined for the theatre. There will be a live choreographed choir and detailed film sets. Book tickets.
Jemima Khan’s Film What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Instead of curling up on your own sofa, make the effort to buy cinema tickets for an actual real-life date night. Novel, right? Released around Valentine’s Day is Jemima Khan’s much-awaited rom-com What’s Love Got To Do With It? starring Lily Jones and Shazad Latif. The film looks at the contrasting approaches to love and marriage between western and Pakistani cultures. Book tickets.
Natural History Museum’s Valentine Silent Disco
For a Valentine special this year, you can visit the Natural History Museum after hours. Enjoy a cocktail or two and explore the displays, tours and exhibitions including the new-look Wildlife Photographer of the Year. On 16 February, the museum is hosting a Valentine’s Silent Disco underneath Hope, their blue whale in Hintze Hall. Book tickets.
Visit The New Donatello Exhibition at V&A
11 Feb – 11 June
Ever since it was announced a few years ago, we’ve been looking forward to this major V&A exhibition which has never been seen before in London. Opening 11 February, just before Valentine’s Day, is Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance. Grab your date and feast your eyes on the Italian master’s astonishing creations in bronze, marble, wood and terracotta. Book tickets.
Schedule A Stargazing Sleepover In A Shepherd’s Hut
One of the world’s top stargazing spots is the South Downs National Park, just 90 minutes from London. Who knew? Stargazing romantics and wannabe astronomers stay in Withywood’s shepherd’s hut which is kitted out with a mini kitchen, double bed and a woodburning stove. For the best chance of cosmic views, plan your trip before a full moon. Book it.
Get Hands On At A Pottery Class
Inspired by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore’s love scene from the classic film, Ghost, pottery workshops lend themselves to a tongue-in-cheek Valentine’s Day date. Catch up with your partner and enjoy a glass of wine while throwing some pottery at this taster wheel throwing workshop in Stoke Newington. At the end of the class, your pottery pieces will be taken away by your teacher to be fired and glazed. Book it.
Listen To Love Stories At Guildhall Library
On Valentine’s Day 2023, Guildhall Library is hosting an online talk about the most charming love stories from Handheld Press’s collection of forgotten fiction. Hear about the courtship between a German lady and English Socialist MP in Elizabeth von Arnim’s The Caravaners. Other gems include the doomed love story between a flight instructor and his pupil in The Flying Shadow. Book it.
Book A Sip and Paint Class
Spending time out with your better half will revive the most tired of relationships. Beginner or promising Picasso, whatever your art credentials, unleash your creativity at a Sip and Paint workshop. Paint a picture and head to the bar where you can buy drinks. At the end of the evening, take home your masterpiece as a memento of the evening. Book it.
By Annabel Jack
February 2022
