Valentine's Day Playlist: 20 Iconic Love Songs From Musical Theatre
- Jack Davey
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
11 February 2026 I Valentine's Day '26
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Jackstage have compiled a list of 20 iconic musical numbers to set pulses racing this Saturday. We listened to your favourites that you submitted, compiling the nation's favourite romantic ballads and duets.
Some of you may choose to celebrate in its heart-filled commercialism, though for others it might be a challenging weekend. For those having a quiet night in, and wanting to block out the noise, check out our Honourable Mentions below:
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Honourable Mentions:
It can be important to prioritise self-love, and exercise the right to take care of yourself. Before we dive in, let's have a look at our optimistic, confidence-boosting scores:
I Am What I Am - La Cage Aux Folles
I'd Rather Be Me - Mean Girls
I'm Here - The Color Purple
Freak Flag - Shrek The Musical
Beautiful - Head Over Heels
20. Stop The World - Come From Away
We've all had the feeling, wishing you could press pause on time, and take a mental snapshot of the perfect moment. Inspired by real-life couple Nick and Diane Marson, this song is rendered from the uplift that emerged from the 9/11 tragedy. We can all be inspired by Come From Away's message of kindness, cherishing humanity in even the darkest of times.
19. You Matter To Me - Waitress
Perhaps this list's most delicate of numbers, Waitress pulls at the heartstrings as Jenna finds solace away from her abusive partner. Having an affair with her gynaecologist Dr. Pomatter, their intimate connection is fuelled by validation. In a restricted relationship, where saying 'I love you' may be too much, simply caring is honest and vulnerable.
18. Agony - Into The Woods
Fresh from the Bridge Theatre's revival of Sondheim's lyrical masterpiece, the Princes of Into The Woods charm the audience into rapturous applause. Despite being heavily narcissistic and shallow, this comedic scene satirizes fairy-tale romance, proving the men are more in love with their rivalry and one-upping one another, rather than pursuing their true affections.
17. On The Street Where You Live - My Fair Lady
Freddy Eynsford-Hill is the unsung romantic of Lerner & Loewe's hit musical. Though he may not appear often, his declaration of love blossoms over Higgins' cruelty. In this number, a simple street is transformed into a magical place, where simply being near Eliza turns his world upside down. We see you Freddy!!
16. I'll Cover You - Rent
Where Angel's gender non-conformity has been cited as an empowering catalyst for LGBTQ+ audiences following the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This duet with Collins is a warm portrayal of love, triumphing over material possession as Jonathan Larson's writing finds beauty in our times of uncertainty.
15 . A Heart Full Of Love - Les Misérables
I think there would be a revolt if musical theatre titan Les Misérables failed to make this playlist of iconic scores! The harmonies soar as audiences hear of Éponine’s heartache, caught inside a love triangle of young idealists in revolution. Reprieving the show's intensity, this complex three-way perspective on Marius and Cosette's affections, and unrequited love has stood the testament of time, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
14. Another Night At Darryl's - The Witches Of Eastwick
A years-long romance isn't on the cards for everyone this year. If a sensual night is your dream Valentine's, The Witches Of Eastwick can set the atmosphere. As an escape from loneliness, Alexandra drops her defences, and surrenders to addictive passion in this steamy Act Two opener.
13. I'm The Bravest Individual / It's A Nice Face - Sweet Charity
If you are in desperate need of a laugh, then be sure to watch Sweet Charity this weekend! Ever broken down in an elevator, stuck in there with a dashing stranger? Me neither, however this mantra serves as the couple's first encounter, soothing Oscar's fears and admiring his vulnerability as a tender anthem of love.
12. Omar Sharif - The Band's Visit
Wistfully sung by Dina, this number shares its name with famous Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, blending themes of Arabian cinema and music as two lost souls connect over their culture. An Israeli nowhere town, for one moment in time, turns magical under divine, middle-eastern inflected tones.
11. And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going - Dreamgirls
Maybe the most iconic torch song in contemporary musical theatre! From Amber Riley to Jennifer Hudson, many outstanding women have gifted us vocal excellence as Effie White. Both a song of devotion and self-appreciation, Effie's strength and intensity is captivating. She's staying, and you're gonna love her!
10. Il Mondo Era Vuoto - The Light In The Piazza
Kicking off the Top 10 of this list, what could be more oxytocin-boosting than lighting some candles and pressing play on an Italian love tune? Translated as "The World Was Empty", close your eyes and be transported across Europe with this twinkly aria. A perfect alternative as a private, modern operatic score.
9. You Love Who You Love - Bonnie & Clyde
While most of this list's duets feature loved-up couples, this scene is shared between Bonnie and Blanche, with lyrics inspired by Blanche's real-life memoir. Having both faced disdain for dating a criminal, despite their flaws and thrill for danger, their vocals will make your heart melt all over the floor.
8. Some Enchanted Evening - South Pacific
Did you know that the 1958 film soundtrack to South Pacific is the longest-running number one album in UK history? Spending 115 weeks at peak position, Rodgers & Hammerstein have us all under their spell! Introduced as a soaring testament to love at first site, re-live your honeymoon period with South Pacific.
7. Meadowlark - The Baker's Wife
Following the Menier Chocolate Factory's immersive revival of Stephen Schwartz's forgotten musical, a lyrical metaphor on Geneviève's affair contemplates passion over complacency. Its showstopping quality is guaranteed to burst through the speakers, a musical monologue with immense complexity.
6. Wait For Me - Hadestown
Reading the title of the song, you can already hear it, right? One of the 21st century's biggest musical hits, Hadestown's following is devoted and unwavering. Describing Orpheus as the "impossible optimist", Anaïs Mitchell's folk score is both melodic and delicately haunting. We all need an Orpheus in our lives.
5. Tonight - West Side Story
Let's face it, we could have included half of this dreamy cast recording on our list! Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's world-famous lovers, Tony and Maria's forbidden romance allows you to champion their relationship tenfold! This scene is urbanised, to which the 'balcony scene' takes place on a fire escape ledge in New York. Tonight's ecstasy comes from a young couple finding their first love, relocated to somewhere warm and relateable.
4. Love Changes Everything - Aspects Of Love
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with Michael Ball?! With lyrics from Don Black and Charles Hart, this sweeping number from Andrew Lloyd Webber showcases the transformative effects of love... and such an earworm! Once romance enters your life, "Nothing in the world will ever be the same".
3. I Will Always Love You - The Bodyguard
Although we're pinching this one from the realms of soul-pop, Whitney Houston's unparalleled solo opens up the lungs, pouring out such raw, poignant vocals. Topping the charts for 10 weeks, it will always be a firm favourite, especially at karaoke nights! You will never never be the same after witnessing this live in The Bodyguard, currently seen touring the UK.
2. Suddenly Seymour - Little Shop Of Horrors
An extremely close battle for top spot, this emotionally sensitive duet sits beautifully in this blood-filled horror musical. Forced to endure their lives on Skid Row, Seymour and Audrey find a glimmer of hope in one another. Seymour offers nothing flashy, no grand gestures. Just his pure adoration for Audrey, and we're in tears every time we reach this scene!
1. Hopelessly Devoted To You - Grease
In the midst of tragedy and sultry affairs, Sandy Olsson's vulnerable ballad steals our hearts for the number-one spot. Expressing her undying love for Danny Zuko, this number serves as the show's emotional anchor, truly representing musical theatre in its prime. Originated by the late, great Olivia Newton-John, Grease lives on as a cultural touchpoint for the ages, and a reminder that true love is out there for everyone.
