London theatre: Musical theatre's greatest love stories

Ballads, duets and heartfelt laments are the cornerstone of so many musicals.

Whether uplifting or devastating, we love to have a couple to root for, whether it ends well or not.

Our favourites here range from star-cross’d lovers to soulmates to short-lived romances. Be warned – this definitely contains spoilers.

Elphaba and Fiyero, Wicked

Not the most conventional couple. Wicked's Elphaba is a green and misunderstood witch, Fiyero is privileged, lazy and dating her best friend – but somehow they make it work, bringing out the best in each other. While Elphaba is already an independent spirit who cares deeply about injustice, it takes a little more to coax that side out of Fiyero. She shows him – the ultimate “caring about stuff isn’t cool” guy – that he’s living a lie by telling himself that nothing bothers him. He shows her that she’s worthy of love for the first time in her life. Who needs conventional? Granted, the whole 'engaged to the best friend' thing is less ok.

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Simba and Nala, The Lion King

Despite being betrothed from childhood, Simba and Nala take their time in getting together. Banished from Pride Rock, Simba only manages to return home thanks to Nala. When they reunite, it doesn't take long for romance to blossom and their first date is all waterfalls and playful splashing. It may be ever so slightly cheesy but there’s nothing wrong with that. Can you feel the love tonight?

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Marius and Cosette, Les Miserables

Marius, a young student, and Cosette, adopted daughter of Jean Valjean, fall in love on the backdrop of violence and revolution. Cosette has hardly had an easy childhood given that her mother died in poverty, so it’s a relief to see that there is a future ahead of her. It’s love at first sight for both of them, and, while we’re all really rooting for Eponine, it’s a relief at the end of this epic tragedy that two of the characters manage to have a somewhat happy ending.

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Angel and Collins, Rent

Professor Tom Collins and drag queen Angel are the only couple in Rent that really make any sense. They meet when Collins is mugged outside a party on Christmas Eve and Angel comes to his aid. They fall in love and, throughout the course of the musical, show their friends what it really means to be there for someone. In I’ll Cover You, Angel and Collins promise to care for each other whatever they might come up against, a joyful vow that turns out to be needed as both are HIV positive.

Audrey and Seymour, Little Shop of Horrors

There’s little doubt from the outset that Audrey and Seymour are meant to be together. Both timid, sweet and clearly besotted, they’re only kept apart by the presence of Audrey’s sadistic dentist boyfriend, one of musical theatre's most dastardly villains. When he’s gobbled up by a blood-thirsty plant, there’s nothing standing in their way. As they sing Suddenly Seymour, Audrey realises that her life of abuse and subjugation is over – until they too are gobbled up. At least they can spend eternity together in the belly of an alien flower.

Jenna and Dr Pomatter, Waitress

Nothing sums up the relationship between Jenna and Dr Pomatter quite like You Matter To Me. Sara Bareilles’s moving song is simple and kind, giving nothing more than reassurance that she is valued. As waitress Jenna’s abusive husband constantly berates and belittles her, Dr Pomatter does the opposite, lifting her up and telling her that she’s important.

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Alison and Joan, Fun Home

In Fun Home, Alison Bechdel looks back at the different stages of her life. The university years are preoccupied with a growing understanding of her sexuality, with first girlfriend Joan at the centre. Waking up after their first night together, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s lyrics in Changing My Major capture Alison’s awkward enthusiasm. Though the rest of her life may be confusing and chaotic, Joan is a loving constant for Alison.

Anita and Bernardo, West Side Story

Anita and Bernardo’s may not be the central romance, but it’s far more interesting than Tony and Maria’s (frankly, they knew each other for about five minutes). Anita and Bernardo have history and passion. Things don’t turn out well for them – or anyone, really – but what we do see is a pair of lovers supporting each other through difficult times and a hostile world.