⭐ TOP PICK: The Hallé – From Broadway, With Love

Bridgewater Hall | Saturday 14 February 2026, 7:30pm

The PERFECT Valentine’s concert! The world-class Hallé Orchestra performs romantic musical theatre classics including “My Funny Valentine”, “All I Ask of You” (Phantom), “People Will Say We’re in Love” (Oklahoma!), “I Dreamed A Dream” (Les Mis), “Defying Gravity” (Wicked) and more. A truly romantic evening of Broadway and West End magic.

Barnum

Palace Theatre Manchester | Tue 10 – Sat 14 February 2026

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds! Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to creating the greatest show on earth. Starring Lee Mead (Joseph, Wicked), this spectacular musical features acrobatics, dazzling choreography and show-stopping numbers. With love at its heart, it’s perfect for couples who loved The Greatest Showman.

Single White Female

Opera House Manchester | Tue 10 – Sat 14 February 2026

Looking for edge-of-your-seat Valentine’s entertainment? Single White Female invites us into a world where trust is fragile, friendships are tested, and secrets lurk behind every closed door. Starring Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road), this psychological thriller is full of dark humour and stiletto-sharp suspense. Perfect for couples who prefer thrills to traditional romance!

Road

Royal Exchange Theatre | Fri 13 February – Sat 14 March 2026 | From £12

Jim Cartwright’s award-winning masterpiece with a star-studded cast: Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, Lesley Joseph, Johnny Vegas, and Sir Tom Courtenay on film. It’s 1986 – from dusk till dawn, the hopelessly hilarious and divinely desperate laugh, sing, dance and eat chips – all searching for something different. Marking the play’s 40th anniversary, this immersive production opens Valentine’s weekend. Age guidance: 14+.

The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me

Hope Mill Theatre | Tue 10 – Sat 14 February 2026

David Drake’s landmark solo play charts a young gay man’s coming of age at the height of the AIDS crisis. Starring Gabriel Clark (Hollyoaks), this powerful production marks the play’s first Manchester staging in over 30 years. Presented as part of LGBT History Month and celebrating 40 years of George House Trust. An intimate, moving experience in Manchester’s award-winning fringe theatre.

Batman (1989) In Concert

Bridgewater Hall | Friday 13 February 2026, 7:30pm | £44.25 – £64.25 (VIP £89.25)

Experience Tim Burton’s Batman on the big screen with Danny Elfman’s iconic score performed live by a full symphony orchestra! Relive Michael Keaton’s legendary Batman and Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable Joker as Gotham City comes alive through the power of music and film. VIP package includes exclusive Batman merchandise. A thrilling fusion of cinema and symphony – perfect for film-loving couples!

Swan Lake (Varna International Ballet)

Opera House Manchester | Tuesday 3 February 2026

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has captivated audiences for over a century. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score and stunning choreography make Swan Lake one of the most romantic ballets ever created.

The Nutcracker (Varna International Ballet)

Opera House Manchester | Monday 2 February 2026

The most famous fantasy ballet begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score brings this magical story to life with beautiful costumes, stunning sets and world-class dancing.

PwC presents Cinderella

Palace Theatre Manchester | Thu 5 – Sat 7 February 2026

The timeless fairy tale of love conquering all, brought to life through beautiful dance. Perfect for couples who believe in happily ever after!

The Hallé – The Silence of the Lambs: Live in Concert

Bridgewater Hall | Saturday 31 January 2026, 7:30pm

Chilling and thrilling: experience this cult classic, multi-Oscar-winning film with iconic soundtrack performed live by the Hallé orchestra.

The Hallé – Beethoven’s Eroica

Bridgewater Hall | Thu 12 & Sun 15 February 2026

Powerful classical programme featuring one of Beethoven’s greatest symphonies.

The Hallé – The Planets

Bridgewater Hall | Thursday 19 February 2026, 7:30pm

Holst’s spectacular orchestral suite performed in full, plus a world premiere by Unsuk Chin and Colin Matthews’ “Pluto, The Renewer”.

The Hallé presents… Jonny Greenwood

Bridgewater Hall | Thursday 26 February 2026, 7:30pm

The Radiohead guitarist and Oscar-nominated film composer in a special concert event.

English National Opera – Così fan tutte (Semi-Staged)

Bridgewater Hall | Fri 27 February (7pm) & Sat 28 February 2026 (3pm)

Mozart’s comic masterpiece about love, deception, and romantic entanglements – ENO’s first performances at Bridgewater Hall! An entertaining tale of disguises, wagers and whether true love can survive the ultimate test.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical

Palace Theatre Manchester | Thu 19 – Sat 28 February 2026

The Broadway and West End musical comedy sensation follows three friends on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip across the Australian Outback. A joyous celebration of unity, friendship, and being true to yourself, featuring “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Finally.” Dazzling costumes, fabulous choreography, and pure feel-good entertainment!

Mean Girls

Opera House Manchester | Mon 23 February – Sat 7 March 2026

The hilarious Broadway musical based on the cult film! With a smart, sassy score by Tina Fey, this contemporary hit is sharp, funny and thoroughly entertaining.

Glorious!

Hope Mill Theatre | Fri 27 February – Mon 30 March 2026

Starring Wendi Peters (Coronation Street) as Florence Foster Jenkins, the world’s worst singer! This hilarious West End hit comedy celebrates its 20th anniversary tour. Feel-good entertainment guaranteed!

⭐ For Ultimate Romance: From Broadway, With Love at Bridgewater Hall – “My Funny Valentine” and romantic musical theatre classics

For Feel-Good Fun: Barnum at Palace Theatre – Joyous musical with love at its heart

For Thrills & Suspense: Single White Female at Opera House – Edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller

For Theatre Lovers: Road at Royal Exchange – Star-studded cast, intimate in-the-round staging

For Film Fans (Valentine’s Eve): Batman (1989) In Concert at Bridgewater Hall – Live orchestra spectacular

For Classic Ballet: Swan Lake at Opera House (3 Feb) – Timeless romantic tragedy

For Fabulous Fun: Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Palace Theatre (from 19 Feb) – Dazzling disco celebration

Bridgewater Hall

Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS | Box Office: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Manchester’s international concert venue with world-class acoustics. Home to the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic.

Opera House Manchester

Quay Street, M3 3HP | Deansgate Station (5 min walk)
theatreinmanchester.co.uk

Palace Theatre Manchester

Oxford Street, M1 6FT | Oxford Road Station (2 min walk)
theatreinmanchester.co.uk

Royal Exchange Theatre

St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH | Box Office: 0161 833 9833
www.royalexchange.co.uk
Unique in-the-round theatre in a stunning historic building. The Rivals Bar & Café on site.

Hope Mill Theatre

113 Pollard Street, Ancoats, M4 7JA | Box Office: 0161 275 9141
hopemilltheatre.co.uk
Award-winning intimate 145-seat theatre in a converted mill. Restaurant on site.

Romantic Dining

Skyline Views: 20 Stories (rooftop), Cloud 23 at the Hilton
Fine Dining: The Ivy Spinningfields, Hawksmoor, The Refuge
Contemporary: Dishoom (Indian), Tattu (Chinese), Gaucho (Steaks)

Romantic Manchester

• John Rylands Library – Stunning neo-Gothic architecture (incredibly romantic!)
• Cloud 23 – Skyline views from the Hilton for post-show cocktails
• Hotel Gotham – Art Deco glamour with rooftop bar
• King Street Townhouse – Boutique hotel with rooftop infinity pool