By Abbie Billington
Love is in the air all around Liverpool, and venues across the region are shaking off that winter frost and warming up with plenty of shows to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Whether you’re looking for a date idea to celebrate with that special someone, a show you can enjoy with your friends or maybe a solo date as a treat for yourself, we’ve lined up some of the best shows for you to share with the ones you love.
Art in the Ev: I SEE MUSIC – Liverpool Everyman (20 January – 14 February)
Laura J Harris is a UK-based synaesthetic visual artist working in acrylic and mixed media, and her debut collection is now on show at the Everyman. For most of her life, Harris assumed music could be seen through colours, textures and shapes, not realising that this was an experience known as synaesthesia.
Now she brings her experiences of synaesthesia to life through her art. In the studio, Harris uses layering, allowing rhythm to shape pace and pressure. She effortlessly expresses how internal experience becomes tangible and how something ephemeral can be given surface, weight and presence.
The Peaceful Hour 2 – Liverpool’s Royal Court (6 February – 7 March)
Can anyone else hear wedding bells?
Julie and Tim are helping Ange and Carl with their wedding preparations; the hens are helping Ange get her pampering sorted and the stags are celebrating their last night of freedom. But on the night before the wedding, the stag do comes home early with an abundance of chaos in the form of a local gangster with a point to prove.
Gerry Linford is back with an epic sequel to his smash-hit show that showcased at the Royal Court last spring, and The Peaceful Hour 2 is set to be another stunner. If you want a laugh-a-minute night out this Valentine’s Day, then get down to the Court!
Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection – The Atkinson (11 February)
With six decades of smash-hits to choose from, Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
This two hour staged concert will have you up on your feet with such classics as ‘My Life’, ‘New York State of Mind’ and of course, ‘Uptown Girl’ along with many more. The show will feature a full-band dedicated to bringing you both authenticity and electrifying energy, transporting you back to some of Billy Joel’s most iconic performances.
Murder Mystery: The Grand Finale Valentine’s Special – Downstairs at the Everyman (12 – 14 February)
DBY Interactive returns to the Everyman with a brand-new crime solving murder mystery show – Valentine’s edition!
Theodore the Magnificent’s glory days are long behind him, but he does still have one trick up his sleeve… He is offering those who dare a once in a lifetime opportunity to grant their heart’s greatest desire! Are you willing to pay the ultimate price?
Guests are encouraged to dress for a masquerade ball for this one, so don your finest garments and delve into the mysteries of the heart!
We Should Break Up – Unity Theatre (14 February)
It’s safe to say that Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, so why not celebrate by watching someone else’s relationship crash and burn? And they say romance is dead.
Two actors explore what happens when we break up, with each painful moment unfolding before the audience. It’s the perfect show to bring that mate who should definitely break up with their partner to. Or maybe it’s a place for broken hearts to find each other?
A Fine Romanarchy – Unity Theatre (14 February)
Join the Merseyside Kings’ first show of 2026 as they celebrate love in all its forms at the Unity Theatre!
They’re inviting you, your besties, your situationships, or gorgeously solo to enjoy a night of the best that north-west drag Kings have to offer. Expect queer joy, gender euphoria, love and a whole lot of big King energy – this is not a night to miss!
Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour – La Traviata & Carmen – Liverpool Empire (16 & 17 February)
Ellen Kent, renowned for showcasing the best of Eastern European opera and ballet for the past 33 years, brings her farewell tour to Liverpool for two nights only.
La Traviata is a tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music. Adapted by Verdi from a 19th century love story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. Starring some of the best international soloists, La Traviata is the perfect show for anyone wanting a sophisticated, uplifting and tear-jerking celebration of love.
The Empire also plays host to a second show from Ellen Kent the following night with Carmen. Described as an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias, this show is not one to miss. Carmen will transport you to Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences, aided by the phenomenal soloists that this show also boasts.
Romeo & Juliet – Unity Theatre (18 February)
This classic Shakespearean love story is thrown on its head as members of the Rubbish Shakespeare Company attempt to retell its tragedies.
With nothing but a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins, this frenetic 60 minute show will feature fourth-wall-breaking, slapstick and mischievous storytelling. The Rubbish Shakespeare Company is known for taking liberties with Shakespearean language, splicing the original text with lots of one-liners and physical comedy. This is one that everyone from 5 to 105 will enjoy!
The Spare Rib Galentine’s Brunch Burlesque Extravaganza! – Downstairs at the Everyman (21 February)
Roses are red, violets are blue… This Burlesque show is for ALL of you!
The Spare Rib Burlesque & Cabaret are back with another of their fantastic showcases, recognising all things extravagant, inclusive and fun. This month, they’re inviting you down to the Everyman for a special Galentine’s Brunch celebrating power, pleasure and community. With promises of sparkle, laughter, empowerment and an abundance of sweet treats, grab your girls and join the Spare Rib for the best brunch you’ll have all year.