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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
JDM625 · 11/05/2025 20:30

Can't stand them, but some are far worse than others.

As a child in the 80's, I watched lots of older/Hollywood type films which my mum loved. Its only since seeing them again as an adult that I've cringed and realised how many are musicals 😬

StupidBoy · 11/05/2025 20:30

I actually judge people who are musical theatre nuts. Anyone who says the highlight of their week is listening to Elaine Paige on Sunday could not be any friend of mine.

CharlotteLightandDark · 11/05/2025 20:29

I hate them too, except the South Park movie!

Mucholderlittlewiser · 11/05/2025 20:29

Can't bear musicals. Unfortunately DH absolutely loves the damn things.

StupidBoy · 11/05/2025 20:28

I can take or leave them. Some are amazing but most are rubbish.

Littledidsheknow · 11/05/2025 20:28

Not a massive fan, though I’ve enjoyed a few!

I get bored rigid seeing plays at the theatre. The people don’t act naturally because they have to practically shout to be heard at the back, and the stories are always boring.

Ittakeslonger · 11/05/2025 20:27

TheKeatingFive · 11/05/2025 20:25

Why would you think there's something wrong with you because you don't like something? 🫠

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

OP posts:
TeenLifeMum · 11/05/2025 20:27

I love them but dad can’t understand why they just keep going into song. He hates them.

ShillyShallySherbet · 11/05/2025 20:25

I love musicals but they’re not for everyone. Also like you say it’s not a particularly sociable activity to partake in with friends unless you go out for dinner or drinks before or after the show. I’d just stick to doing things with your friends that you both enjoy and leave them to watch musicals without you.

Out of interest though, what are the musicals you have thought are better than others?

2ndbestslayer · 11/05/2025 20:25

Why on earth would there be something wrong with you? I'm not a massive fan either although I like a couple of the classics. I'm in a choir where everyone loves them, I just sit out the socials where they go to shows.

TheKeatingFive · 11/05/2025 20:25

Why would you think there's something wrong with you because you don't like something? 🫠

Squirrelblanket · 11/05/2025 20:23

Nope, I hate them too!