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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is there something wrong with me? I hate musicals.

212 replies

Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:21

AIBU? I'm 62 and all my friends seem to have developed a passion for musicals. I have been to quite a few with friends to be sociable and to see if I could get to like them but, with each musical, my dislike of them just grows. I find them contrived, and the music average and the whole experience very boring. I sit there hoping it's over soon. I go to be sociable but it's not an event where you chat or do an activity together. We simply sit, glued to a chair. Some musicals are better than others but overall I'd always rather be anywhere else, even home. Is there anyone else out there who gets my dislike? Am I destined to be a social pariah? My friends seem puzzled and a bit offended by my attitude.

OP posts:
TrishM80 · 11/05/2025 20:54

Hate them with a passion. The only one I find half way watchable is Les Miserables but that's probably because I'm a history nut.

StrongandNorthern · 11/05/2025 20:52

Are you me??
I could have written that post (possibly with less eloquence).I
Totally agree with every, heartfelt, word.

Tessiebear2023 · 11/05/2025 20:51

Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:35

I prefer the classical musicals where the music is more upbeat melodic and recognisable. I can be impressed with the dancing. I like musicals with amazing costumes and sets but those seem less common these days. I don't like seeing the same musical more than once whereas my friends will enjoy new performances of the same musical. I quite like the film mamma' Mia because the music is good, there's a bit of a plot and the scenery amazing.

Perhaps you just haven't found the right type for you? Musicals aren't all just one homogenous thing. What about spamalot or Rocky horror? But you don't have to like them, or the whole expense and travelling palaver that goes with them. I'd far rather watch a decent comedy act or a band, personally.

TheBlueUniform · 11/05/2025 20:50

I don’t really like musicals either. I’d rather see a good film. Folk dressed up prancing about on a stage bursting in to song where they all sound the same. Nahh it’s ok.

Saying that I liked blood brothers because of the story, the lion king for the special effects, Chicago for the jazz and it was in the US I seen it, Le Mis I thought was going to be boring but I did enjoy it and Phantom because of the dramatic music - derrr de de de de de…. Derrr de de de de….

spoonbillstretford · 11/05/2025 20:44

I loved the Les Mis stage musical and listened to the music loads in my teens long before I saw it. But I absolutely hated the film.

Original poster
Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:44

I bet. That's lovely x

OP posts:
SabreIsMyFave · 11/05/2025 20:42

spoonbillstretford · 11/05/2025 20:40

I like them but can't stand more than five minutes of Hamilton. It gives me a headache and also makes me think of The Simpsons taking the piss out of musicals and US History.

Awww, that Simpsons episode was wild! 😆 I loved it!

"I hate every ape I see, from Chimpan-A to Chimpan-zee, no you'll never make a monkey out of me!" 😂

spoonbillstretford · 11/05/2025 20:40

I like them but can't stand more than five minutes of Hamilton. It gives me a headache and also makes me think of The Simpsons taking the piss out of musicals and US History.

SabreIsMyFave · 11/05/2025 20:40

Butchyrestingface · 11/05/2025 20:39

So after starting a thread entitled "I hate musicals", by post 3 you are proceeding to enumerate the types of musicals you DO like.

Okay. 🤷‍♀️

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Yep, bit confusing! 😆

SabreIsMyFave · 11/05/2025 20:39

Littledidsheknow · 11/05/2025 20:38

I find Les Mis hugely overrated

We were on holiday in London a couple of years ago, and booked last minute tickets to Les Mis. My autistic DD (then 18) sat stony-faced throughout. Then after all the clapping had finished, simply stated “That’s the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life” so I have a bit of a soft spot for it now!

Awwww, how lovely. 😍

Butchyrestingface · 11/05/2025 20:39

Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:35

I prefer the classical musicals where the music is more upbeat melodic and recognisable. I can be impressed with the dancing. I like musicals with amazing costumes and sets but those seem less common these days. I don't like seeing the same musical more than once whereas my friends will enjoy new performances of the same musical. I quite like the film mamma' Mia because the music is good, there's a bit of a plot and the scenery amazing.

So after starting a thread entitled "I hate musicals", by post 3 you are proceeding to enumerate the types of musicals you DO like.

Okay. 🤷‍♀️

Littledidsheknow · 11/05/2025 20:38

I find Les Mis hugely overrated

We were on holiday in London a couple of years ago, and booked last minute tickets to Les Mis. My autistic DD (then 18) sat stony-faced throughout. Then after all the clapping had finished, simply stated “That’s the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life” so I have a bit of a soft spot for it now!

Calliopespa · 11/05/2025 20:37

I think it depends.

Maybe play round with them. Some people like them tongue 👅 in cheek - like Gilbert and Sullivan. Others like heavier offerings like Les Mis. Personally I probably find the music and dancing an easier watch than theatre, though I actually like them all. How do you feel about opera? For me it’s the best of the lot.

Original poster
Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:37

Lol It never occurred to me I simply have a high performance of friends who like musicals! Plays seem better as I can get into the plot.

OP posts:
Banmooo · 11/05/2025 20:37

Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:27

Because all my friends (who don't even know each other) love them so much.

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So? You happen to be friends with a lot of people who like musicals. I happen to be friends with a lot of people who like white wine ..I like red wine. Does it matter No. We just can't share a bottle

purplepenguindancing · 11/05/2025 20:35

Nothing odd with not enjoying something. I like musicals but a lot of my friends don’t.

I think it’s unusual that everyone in your friendship circle likes musicals!

Is it just musicals you don’t like or is it theatre in general? If you like plays maybe suggest seeing one of those next time as a compromise?

Original poster
Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:35

I prefer the classical musicals where the music is more upbeat melodic and recognisable. I can be impressed with the dancing. I like musicals with amazing costumes and sets but those seem less common these days. I don't like seeing the same musical more than once whereas my friends will enjoy new performances of the same musical. I quite like the film mamma' Mia because the music is good, there's a bit of a plot and the scenery amazing.

OP posts:
steff13 · 11/05/2025 20:34

I love some musicals and don't care for others. Just like I love some dramas and don't care for others and love some comedies and don't care for others. Unless you've seen every musical there may be one out there that you like, but also it's not really necessary to make an effort to try to force yourself to like them if you just don't. You're not wrong for having your own personal taste that's kind of a crazy question.

MeMyselfandMN · 11/05/2025 20:33

You are definitely not being unreasonable.

pizzaHeart · 11/05/2025 20:33

I can’t say I’m a big fan of musicals, I look at storyline before booking plus who is taking part and choose seats very carefully.
People who don’t like loud music can easily get headache.
It’s not a social activity at all unless as @ShillyShallySherbet pointed out you go for drinks / dinner after or before.

SabreIsMyFave · 11/05/2025 20:32

Nothing wrong with you. DH hates them (though he does like Grease, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!) 😆

I like some musicals. Not all. I find Les Mis hugely overrated. Long and boring. I LOVE Phantom of the Opera though. Didn't like Hamilton, loved SIX. Hated Mamma mia, loved Evita.

TheKeatingFive · 11/05/2025 20:32

Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:27

Because all my friends (who don't even know each other) love them so much.

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So? People have different preferences. Is this really new news?

minipie · 11/05/2025 20:31

I like musicals like Operation Mincemeat, Six, the Producers, Maltilda and Hamilton - clever witty lyrics rather than big emotional belters. I

I saw Wicked and was very underwhelmed. Lloyd Webbers leave me cold too.

fragrancefriend · 11/05/2025 20:31

I think there’s something wrong with people who do like musicals 😂

Butchyrestingface · 11/05/2025 20:30

Yes, you are dead inside.

But admitting it is to the first step to a cure. Now you can begin to heal ... preferably to the strains of 🎵 Doe, a deer 🎵