Hot Dates

Thankfully, coming up with something for the two of you to do for Valentine’s in London is easy – it’s deciding which one’s for you that’s the hard part. There’s everything from red hot Latin lovin’ at Sadler’s Wells or a risqué book reading to dancing a jig. Take your pick.

The Art of Seduction

The Billiard Room, Sanderson, 50 Berners Street, W1T 3NG
12th February 2008

Guardian readers will know Guy Browning as the quick-witted author of the weekly 'How To' column in the Saturday magazine. Being a fan of those columns, I went along to see him at the Soho Theatre and can highly recommend his live performances. Most memorably, he got the whole audience up out of their seats and interacting with each other, soon the room was resembling one big cocktail party. If that's anything to go by, his talk on 'The Art of Seduction' will be an irreverent look at the lengths we go to trying to attract a life partner. His writing is often laugh-out-loud funny - his other day job is writing 'Weak at the Top' starring Alexander Armstrong - and his books have included 'Never Hit a Jellyfish with a Spade: How to Survive Life's Smaller Challenges' and 'Never Push When it says Pull'. Although it's being held before 14th February, it's a fun way to celebrate the lighter side of Valentine's. The night is being run in association with Monkey Shoulder whisky who'll be fuelling the party atmosphere with complimentary whisky cocktails - that's right, free booze. Numbers are limited to fifty so booking early is recommended. Email contact@monkeyshoulder.com to book.

More info: The Art of Seduction Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Importance of Being Earnest

Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, WC2R 0NH
22nd January 2008 - 26th April 2008

It is impossible to overemphasise just how much fun Penelope Keith will have with the role of Lady Bracknell. Suffice to say that - even if the rest of the production is a disaster - the Vaudeville Theatre will be packed every night to hear this most imperious of English actresses play Oscar Wilde's most terrifying female character. 'The Importance of Being Earnest' is Wilde's best-loved play, a shimmering piece of fluff in which a quartet of idle young things deceive and sulk their way to a happy romantic conclusion. The perfumed wit of Wilde's script, the audaciously complicated plot and the idyllic tea-and-cucumber-sandwiches world in which it takes place are always a pleasure, while the presence of Penelope - playing a character who is essentially the late Victorian Margot Ledbetter - makes this essential viewing.

Photo credit Nobby Clarke.

More info: The Importance of Being Earnest Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Love's Proper Exercise

St John's, Smith Square, W1P 3HA
Valentine's Day, 14th February 2008

The music of Henry Purcell, John Dowland and other 17th-century composers accompanies the dancers and actors of the Nonsuch History and Dance Company in a Valentine's recreation of dances and costumes from the courts of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs. 'Love's Proper Exercise' features a selection of the music and poetry of 16th and 17th-century England played on period instruments, and sung by Stefan Paul Sanchez (baritone) and Sandra Porter (soprano). The magnificent church of St John's Smith Square plays host to a Valentine's date that is a perfect choice if you want a bit of history with your romance.

More info: Love's Proper Exercise Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Iolanthe

Gielgud Theatre, W1D 6AR
11th February 2008 - 16th February 2008

As the Gilbert and Sullivan season at the Gielgud Theatre gets into full swing, we come to their light-hearted Savoy opera 'Iolanthe'. For a production that opens in the heart of Fairyland and by the final curtain has all the peers from the House of Lords sprouting wings and flying off to join the fairies, we know we're in for one of Gilbert's typically eccentric and fanciful stories. Scratch the merry surface and you'll find a world of satirical digs at the bumbling incompetence of the peers, but it all bounces along with such jollity and humour that it was hard even for the audiences of the day to take offence. This touring production, with a strictly limited West End run of eight shows, promises to be a gloriously silly affair as Sullivan's delightful music accompanies Strephon (Iolanthe the fairy's half-mortal son) on his pursuit of the lovely Phyllis, who is also desired by all the Lords. When Strephon is spurned (a misunderstanding, of course) the Fairy Queen gives him power in Parliament ...a few more twists and turns, some Fairy Law and a bit of word-play and they all live happily ever after. Perfect Valentine's Day viewing.

More info: Iolanthe Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Masterpieces from the Louvre

Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
Valentine's Day, 14th February 2008 - 8th May 2008

The Wallace Collection, housed in Hertford House on Manchester Square, is one of the most romantic art galleries in London, regardless of the temporary exhibitions it regularly hosts. But, opening on Valentine's Day is Masterpieces from the Louvre, making this a must-see for lovers looking for something a little bit different to do on 14th February. France's national gallery dominates the Paris city centre and, with 8.3 million visitors in 2006, is the most visited art museum in the world. It's quite a coup for the comparatively diminutive Wallace Collection to be staging their first collaboration with the Musee du Louvre. On loan for the 'Masterpieces...' exhibition is Ribera's Le Pied-Bot (The Boy with the Club Foot) of 1642. Add this to the Wallace Collection's own Spanish paintings by Velazquez, Murillo and Alonso Cano and a splendid array of eighteenth-century French paintings and you have a fascinating exhibition. Arrange to meet your lover under The Swing by Jean-Honore Fragonard, one of the Wallace Collection's most well known works, where the gentleman lying on the grass is attempting to get a look up the swinging lady's petticoats, she in turn is being pushed by her priest-lover. Quite the scandal.

More info: Masterpieces from the Louvre Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

National Gallery Valentine's Day Tours

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Valentine's Day, 14th February 2008

Dominating Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery's imposing presence is a wonderfully romantic place to admire some of the world's most important art treasures. Just for Valentine's Day, the gallery offers a guided tour to take you to the heart of some of the most romantically significant paintings in the permanent collection. There are two tours, one beginning at 11.30am and repeated at 2.30pm, each lasting about an hour. Like all of the gallery's guided tours, these much-loved annual Valentine's Day Tours are free. Simply turn up at the Sainsbury Wing Information Desk to join in. Your guide will encourage you to look at the way love is depicted in the paintings as well as exploring mythological scenes with a focus on Venus, goddess of love. Included among the five or six works under the spotlight is Bronzino's 'An Allegory with Venus and Cupid' (detail pictured) dated to around 1540-50 with the two key figures kissing at the centre. If this wasn't mythology the subject matter would be frowned on - Venus was Cupid's mother after all - but this is an allegory so we'll let it pass and instead appreciate the sumptuous pink fleshy tones.

National Gallery Valentine's Day Tours - Information

Current events at National Gallery

Turner Inspired: In The Light Of Claude event running until Tuesday 5th June 2012
TIMES Daily 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-9pm PRICING £13.20 (Adults), £12.10 (Seniors), £6 (Students/Job seekers/12-18s)
When Turner left the National Gallery two paintings - Dido building Carthage and Sun rising through Vapour ... More about this event

National Gallery - Permanent Collection event running until Monday 31st December 2012
TIMES 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2012 - Various Times PRICING Free, additional charges for special exhibitions
Located on Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world. Masterpieces on permanent... More about this event

Inside Art event running until Sunday 20th May 2012
TIMES 15th May to 20th May 2012 - Various Times PRICING Free
Paintings and drawings by inmates at HMP Full Sutton, a prison for male offenders.... More about this event

The Comte De Vaudreuil: Courtier And Collector event running until Tuesday 12th June 2012
TIMES 6th April 2012 to 12th June 2012 - Various Times PRICING Free
Dutch and Flemish old Master paintings from the leading courtier and collector of the France in the 1780s.... More about this event

Titian's Diana And Callisto event running until Sunday 1st July 2012
TIMES 6th April 2012 to 1st July 2012 - Various Times PRICING Free
A celebration of the recent acquisition of one of the artist's mythological pieces.... More about this event

Titian's First Masterpiece: The Flight Into Egypt event running until Sunday 19th August 2012
TIMES 4th April 2012 to 19th August 2012 - Various Times PRICING Free
The painting, one of Titian's earliest pieces, is shown alongside contemporary Venetian works.... More about this event

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Notting Hill Lovers' Week at Waterstone's

Waterstone's, Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ
12th February 2008 - 15th February 2008

If you're passing Waterstone's in Notting Hill Gate on Valentine's Day be sure to check out the window display. There you may very well see an elegantly poised Suzanne Portnoy, author of 'The Butcher, The Baker and the Candlestick Maker: An Erotic Memoir'. It's all part of Notting Hill Lovers' Week, three days where this branch of Waterstone's plays host to a stream of female writers who have made writing on affairs of the heart their calling cards. Beginning on 12th February with an Historical Lovers Debate, Tracy Borman, Sarah Gristwood and Lucy Moore discuss their favourite power couples, lovers and mistresses. As well as appearing as window dressing, Ms Portnoy turns the air blue on 14th February with extracts from her new illicit memoir, 'The Not-So-Invisible Woman' - the kind of book that makes you blush as you're reading it (strictly for over 18s only). Finally, on 15th February, Kate Williams, author of 'England’s Mistress: The Scandalous Life of Emma Hamilton' drops by the store for more scandalous excerpts.

Current events at National Gallery

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Shadowlands

Novello Theatre, Aldwych, WC2B 4LD
21st December 2007 - 23rd February 2008

It has taken the new interest provided by the film version of 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' to get this wonderful play about C.S. Lewis back onto the West End stage, but it has been well worth the wait. Charles Dance is perfectly cast as the author, Christian academic and buttoned-up bachelor whose life is transformed first by love and then by tragedy when he forms a relationship with brash American divorcee Joy. It's a perfect English weepie, full of restrained passions and words spoken too late, which draws its audience in through careful characterisation rather than cheap sentimentality. Neatly enlivened by occasional glimpses of Narnia from between Lewis' dusty bookshelves this is an immaculate production of a simply and effortlessly affecting play. Full of emotion and drama it's a powerful and moving choice for Valentine's Day drama.

Current events at National Gallery

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St Martin-in-the-Fields Valentine's Day Concert

St Martin-in-the-Fields, WC2N 4JJ
Valentine's Day, 14th February 2008

Offering a programme of classical favourites, the London Music Arts String Orchestra provide music-loving Valentines with the perfect way to spend the evening. Decorated in candles and, certainly one of London's most attractive and well-located churches, the setting at St Martin-in-the-Fields church promises to supply all the peace and ambience required for this romantic day. John Landor conducts works from Mozart, Boccherini, Barber, Strauss and Dvorak interspersed with extracts of love poetry.

Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Boccherini - Minuet
Barber - Adagio
Strauss - Blue Danube Waltz
Dvorak - Serenade

Current events at National Gallery

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Tango Por Dos - Buenos Aires Tango

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT
29th January 2008 - 23rd February 2008

It's safe to say that Tango Por Dos knows how to tango; the company was sparked off by Miguel Angel Zotto in Buenos Aires 20 years ago and has been wowing audiences ever since. The troupe of dancers, musicians and singers returns to Sadler's Well to warm up the dark winter nights with sizzling Argentine tango. Drawing on past shows, here is a whistle-stop tour of tango's journey from the smoky backrooms of Argentinean clubs through the razzle-dazzle of the 1920s and onto its modern popularity. As well as sequences of early tango styles taconeados and cayengues, the show features new choreography, entitled 'Baile entre Hombres', with men partnering men. Tango is in Zotto's blood, coming from a family of 'tangueros', and it is this deep-running passion that keeps it fresh and fiery. Hot stuff for February 14th.

Current events at National Gallery

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La Traviata

Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2E 9DD
14th January 2008 - Valentine's Day, 14th February 2008

Verdi's music takes audiences to the heart of Violetta's world as she gives up her wild lifestyle for love and makes the ultimate sacrifice. There's romance, there's tragedy, there's even a scandal - the portrayal of a 'fallen' heroine would have been shocking to the premiere audiences of 1853. Both old hands and opera virgins will be reaching for the tissues as Violetta, played by Norah Amsellem and Anna Netrebko in a double-casting, sings her way to the heart-rending end of Act III. Bob Crawley's sumptuous period designs beckon the audience into the Paris of the 19th century from the lavish scene of Violetta's party to her country house in the suburbs. Richard Eyre's production is a well-rehearsed formula for The Royal Opera but time after time it draws the crowds with the promise of pure spectacle.

Photo: Clive Barda

Current events at National Gallery