Page 3 | Going to the Theatre alone

Aquarius1234 · 2024-08-23T13:03:38+00:00

Is going to the Theatre alone sad and lonely? I like plays in London but it seems more of an effort these days finding someone to join me. But it's also boring having no one to chat with after..

Vikingess · 23/08/2024 15:12

Not as sad as needing someone to hold your hand. You are a grown up not a toddler!

Alarae · 23/08/2024 15:09

I've realised that I am missing out on theatre shows I would like to see just because I don't have anyone to come with me.

So in the past year, I've been taking myself and I love it! I get to see shows I otherwise never would and get to wander round London at my own pace. When you end up going solo, you start to notice how many other solo individuals there are- you just don't really notice when you are in a group.

It's not strange. Take yourself out on a date. Or, as I did, for a long weekend away!

Getonwitit · 23/08/2024 15:09

Not at all. I was at the theatre earlier in the week on my on, i often go alone.

CharlotteRumpling · 23/08/2024 15:09

Singleandproud · 23/08/2024 15:02

Are these comments only coming from older family members? Perhaps members that would never have the confidence to go alone as that was not their societal norm when money was spent on husband and children but never on what the mother liked or wanted to do?

My grandmother would find it entirely alien to do such things alone, my mum is proud of me for doing it but would never do it herself and it holds her back.

I am in my 50s and have gone alone for years. DD is in her twenties and would never go alone unless absolutely desperate. I don't think this is entirely an age thing. My 78 year-old-mum goes for stuff alone. It's a confidence thing.

MinnieMountain · 23/08/2024 15:09

I often go alone as it means no babysitter and no trying to find a friend who’s available. It’s easier.

Try ringing the booking office if the website won’t let you leave a single seat.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 15:07

Singleandproud · 23/08/2024 15:02

Are these comments only coming from older family members? Perhaps members that would never have the confidence to go alone as that was not their societal norm when money was spent on husband and children but never on what the mother liked or wanted to do?

My grandmother would find it entirely alien to do such things alone, my mum is proud of me for doing it but would never do it herself and it holds her back.

Yes weirdly my Nan used to ask if I had gone to the theatre/cinema alone in my twenties when actually I always went with a friend or partner at the time. Think she thought I didn't have many friends.. just cos I didn't shout about it.

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Singleandproud · 23/08/2024 15:05

By the way National Theatre at Home streaming is great £99 for the year.

loudbatperson · 23/08/2024 15:05

I love going alone! I do about once a month when there is a play I want to see that others don't, or if I fancy a last minute trip.

Go and enjoy!

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 15:04

BIossomtoes · 23/08/2024 15:01

I quite often go to the theatre alone. Just about all my friends and my bloke only like musical theatre whereas I prefer serious drama so I go by myself. I really like NT cinema streams too and go to those alone.

Yes I prefer serious drama. Or dark comedy drama.

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Singleandproud · 23/08/2024 15:02

Are these comments only coming from older family members? Perhaps members that would never have the confidence to go alone as that was not their societal norm when money was spent on husband and children but never on what the mother liked or wanted to do?

My grandmother would find it entirely alien to do such things alone, my mum is proud of me for doing it but would never do it herself and it holds her back.

CharlotteRumpling · 23/08/2024 15:01

So you don't mind going alone, but are upset because family members think you don't have any friends? Is that it?

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 15:01

Yes its about personal preference, lots of people just can't be bothered to make the effort. Its easy not to bother when its just you.

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BIossomtoes · 23/08/2024 15:01

I quite often go to the theatre alone. Just about all my friends and my bloke only like musical theatre whereas I prefer serious drama so I go by myself. I really like NT cinema streams too and go to those alone.

ilovesooty · 23/08/2024 15:00

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 14:19

Yeh I've had to pay more for a single seat as you can't always leave one on its own.
I would enjoy finding fellow theatre fans but again probably wouldn't always suit the times I'm available/ travel.
It is annoying when people pity you for having to go solo.
I just lie and say I've found a small group or theatre friend.

Edited

If people are pitying you it says more about them than you. Why lie and endorse their unpleasantness?

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 15:00

Ideally I prefer afternoon rather than evening. Travelling late catching last trains in a rush is never fun.

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Lindjam · 23/08/2024 15:00

I’m nearly sixty and do this stuff alone, as does my DD who is 27. So I don’t think it’s necessarily an age thing.

Maybe you have family members who lack confidence? Just keep on enjoying your trips.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 14:59

I don't like being boxed in, whats wrong with sometimes going alone and sometimes with a friend or sometimes with family?
I think often in society you can easily assume someone does stuff solo when they might have the odd friend.

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Babyworriesreal · 23/08/2024 14:59

I do this, if no one else wants to go/likes my choices. I wouldn't miss something, just because I had to go alone. I usually get a cheap seat.

CharlotteRumpling · 23/08/2024 14:58

At the end of your life, do you want to be thinking about all the great experiences you missed out on, because of supposedly judgy family members?

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 23/08/2024 14:54

I actually think its worse when anyone assumes you have gone alone/on your own?
Before you tell them with a friend.
The whole ''on your own'' sounds judging, could just be me though.
It would be older family members saying that.

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Faceplantagain · 23/08/2024 14:48

I do it quite a lot. I also go with friends. They're both different experiences, but equally enjoyable. Off tomorrow in fact - I've grabbed a single ticket in the second row, while if there had been two of us, we'd have been close to the back! I usually treat myself to a glass of wine first and read a programme or look at reviews online during the interval.

catsrlife · 23/08/2024 14:46

Yes, I have done it a few times. I love the theatre and sometimes, you can't find anyone who is free or wants to see it so I bite the bullet and go alone. Some times it's absolutely fine and other times I wish I had someone but I am still glad I went as the regret would be worse.

Changed18 · 23/08/2024 14:42

Also do this sometimes. - go to the theatre when in London for work.

Plus a year or so ago I used to take DD to a regular rehearsal that was far enough away from home that it wasn’t worth going back in between. The only thing there was to do nearby was to go to a big shopping centre, which includes a leisure park. Rather than go shopping I’d buy a ticket for whatever was on at the cinema. Saw quite a few things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise and much more fun than random shopping.

Agapornis · 23/08/2024 14:38

It's not pity, they're just jealous that you have the confidence to go alone :)

Like others, I've had some great last-minute front row tickets at the National Theatre etc for £15-30. Usually end up chatting to another woman next to me who also got a bargain. Sometimes we share snacks. It's great.

RosesAndHellebores · 23/08/2024 14:36

Better to go alone than not at all. Far less sad to have nothing to discuss when you meet others.