ALW Musicals: The Best Romances

Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows have given us not only some of the most iconic love songs, but also some of the most unforgettable pairings. It’s hard to choose a favourite, but for this Valentine’s Day we have managed to whittle it down to five.

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The Phantom and Christine: An Unconditional Love

As one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most romantic musicals, it’s no surprise to see The Phantom of the Opera at the top of this list. As inexplicable as it may be to those around them, the bond shared by the misunderstood Phantom and the kindhearted Christine runs deep. Their love is borne out of a common passion for singing, with Christine sharing an almost spiritual connection with her ‘Angel of Music’. Despite the challenges faced by both, Christine maintains empathy for the tormented Phantom, and theirs is a truly unconditional love.

Eva and Juan Perón: Love in the Spotlight

The only one in this list that is based on a real-life relationship, the marriage between Eva and Juan Perón in Evita is not only a union of love, but also an alliance. Over the course of their relationship, both Evita and Perón grew in power, becoming one of the most famous partnerships in Latin America. Although we don’t know the exact details of the bond that they shared, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical certainly lays bare the pressures of having a relationship in the public eye and allows audiences a glimpse into their love story.  

Christine and Raoul: Childhood Sweethearts

This may slightly contradict our first entry in the lust, however The Phantom & Christine’s love story is not complete without acknowledging the role of Raoul. As her childhood sweetheart, the Vicomte de Changy was Christine’s first real love (and who doesn’t remember their first?) When they are finally reunited as adults in her dressing room, the tenderness and joy of their meeting is evident. As profound as her love with the Phantom may be, the love between Christine and Raoul is both special and endearing in equal measure.  

Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis: Love-Hate

As dysfunctional as it may be, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most compelling relationships to watch on stage is that of the faded star Norma Desmond and her ‘muse’: budding writer Joe Gillis, in Sunset Boulevard. Norma allows (or impels, depending on how you look at it) Gillis to take a room in her decadent but dilapidated Hollywood mansion, while he writes a script that promises to bring Norma back to centre stage. A mutually beneficial, but increasingly complicated and damaging relationship for both parties, their feelings flit between love and hate, leaving us none the wiser to what’s real and what’s not. Wherever the truth lies, this is a connection that is hard to watch – but we can’t look away.

Rusty & Pearl: A Blossoming Love

They say that anything worth having is worth fighting for - or, in this case, worth racing for! Steam engine Rusty’s admiration and lust for first-class car Pearl pushes him to compete in the racing championship in Starlight Express. An underdog in the competition, and not so lucky in love either, Rusty’s determination and strength enables him to prove himself to the other engines, including his beloved Pearl, ultimately winning, not only the championship, but her heart.