It’s International Kissing Day! Now, you might be tempted to curl up on the sofa with a tub of ice-cream and watch some smooch-filled films but we’ve got a better idea. Go to the theatre and experience the best stage kisses instead! Unfortunately, we’re not implying you should run onto the stage and snog the lead. We just mean you should see some of theatre’s best kisses live on stage and feel the electricity in the air. You can even have your ice-cream during intermission…
So to celebrate International Kissing Day, here are our seven favourite stage kisses… warning: MAJOR spoilers ahead…
Elphaba and Fiyero – Wicked
The love triangle in Wicked may be Love Island worthy, but when true love conquers all, our hearts are sent aflutter. The epic kiss between Elphaba and Fiyero during the beautiful As Long As You’re Mine reminds us all that people can surprise you and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And the fact that this pair doesn’t get their perfect, cookie-cutter, traditional happily ever after ending makes this tender moment even more heart-melting.
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Strat and Raven – Bat Out Of Hell
Even with all the fire and pyrotechnics, the chemistry between Strat and Raven is the hottest thing on stage. Actors Andrew Polec and Christina Bennington are a couple IRL so all those kisses come quite naturally to them. And despite their genuine fits of passion on stage, seeing a pair of young kids fall in love and fight a tyrannical ruler is pretty damn exciting.
Alec and Laura – Brief Encounter
If you thought the film gave you that tingly feeling, you wait until you see Emma Rice’s production. A haunting and beautiful love story about forbidden love is enough to pull on those heartstrings but when the two protagonists – Alec and Laura – can’t hold back their feelings anymore and finally kiss… swoon-worthy doesn’t even cover it.
Christine and The Phantom – The Phantom Of The Opera
Kissing a man because you love another seems a bit counterproductive. But when it comes to the topsy-turvy world of musicals, it all makes sense. This tender and powerful moment in The Phantom Of The Opera sees the young Christine defeat The Phantom using kindness and compassion. The simple kiss along with the message that he is not alone teaches him that love cannot be forced and the power of sacrifice.
Leonard and… ??? – Witness For The Prosecution
The classic Agatha Christie play has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster at Alton Towers. But it’s a single kiss that sends the whole show spinning out of control – and right at the end. We won’t go into too much detail but the gasp-worthy moment reveals a lot about the characters and plot of the play. The power of a kiss, huh?
Lauren and Charlie – Kinky Boots
Everybody loves a show-stopping kiss. And when Lauren finally lands one on Charlie, that’s literally what it is. During the big Raise You Up/Just Be number, Lauren stops the song when she learns Charlie is no longer with the vile Nicola and gives him a smacker in front of everyone. And the crowd goes wild…
Practically everyone in Young Frankenstein
Kisses don’t have to be overly romantic or grand gestures. Sometimes, a roll in the hay can be electric! And the tongue-in-cheek, a-little-bit-naughty kisses in Young Frankenstein are a-plenty. From Frederick and Inga’s steamy smooches to Frau Blücher and The Monster’s love connection… there’s plenty of snogging going on.
Nothing above whet your whistle? There are plenty of peck-filled shows on in London right now. Click here to find more West End shows.