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Original poster

Is this pathetic?

32 replies

cwtchesandprosecco · 18/08/2019 15:15

I’ve just booked a ticket for the new Les Miserables in concert production and I’m planning to go by myself.

While I’m sure I could persuade a friend to come with me, there weren’t really any pairs of reasonably priced tickets left. It’s my favourite show and while browsing I found a single mid-range ticket for what looks like a great seat, so I booked it to go on my own.

I’ve just told a friend, in an ‘I’m so excited way’ and her reaction was not what I expected. Apparently I should be worried about looking like I’m weird or have no friends...... This did cross my mind, but the ticket looked too good to pass up, and it’s not like you talk during the show! The interval generally involves queuing for toilet anyway so it’s not like there’s much socialisation there.......

I’m 27 and single with a good circle of friends, but is it weird to be going to see a West End musical on my own???

OP posts:
Knitclubchatter · 18/08/2019 15:18

No it’s neither weird or pathetic. It’s actually a very mature thing to do. Go and enjoy yourself.

AmIThough · 18/08/2019 15:21

It would be more pathetic to not go because you couldn't find a friend who wanted to go.

It's good to enjoy your own company- there's not stress of making plans with anyone. Sounds like a great idea to me. Enjoy it!

Guardsman18 · 18/08/2019 15:21

I went to see Eddie Izzard on my own. Only one ticket left. I had a lovely evening. Got chatting to the lady and her daughter next to me, had a drink in the interval and picked up a takeaway on the way back.

Go for it and enjoy!

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Events & celebrations Theatre
Geraniumpink · 18/08/2019 15:54

Not weird. I sometimes go to the cinema on my own for a break- it’s great because I don’t feel responsible for anyone else’s enjoyment and I can soak myself in the film. Have fun.

BenWillbondsPants · 18/08/2019 17:33

Not weird at all. Your friend sounds a little pathetic herself of she's not prepared to do something that she really wants unless someone comes with her.

KnittingSister · 18/08/2019 17:44

Not weird or pathetic, deriding other people's choices though...That's a different matter.

Lj8893 · 18/08/2019 17:46

I’ve been to the theatre many times on my own from the age of about 16 (I’m now 31)

SistersOfMerci · 18/08/2019 17:49

I book shows and go to them on my own. I tried going with my dh but he irritates me so I go alone now Grin

MsSquiz · 18/08/2019 17:49

Definitely not! I'm also going to see Les Mis, but with a group. However, if no one fancied it, I definitely would have went alone. It's not like it's somewhere where everyone will be chatting and talking so it's barely even noticeable. Just enjoy the show Smile

londonloves · 18/08/2019 17:52

I went to see Les Mis on my own when I first loved to London. It was amazing. I had a huge glass of wine in the interval and didn't have to talk to anyone.

ZiggyB · 18/08/2019 17:55

Not weird OP. Who will know anyway? Bit mean of your friend to put that idea in your mind knowing you already have the tickets. Just go along and enjoy it. Wine

LER83 · 18/08/2019 18:15

Not strange or weird at all, especially not at a theatre. I was at the theatre last night and never once did I look round and look for people on their own, so I dont think anyone would be vaguely aware or interested in what you are doing. I think your friend sounds a bit insecure. The guy next to me last night was on his own, we chatted to him for a bit, he had come over from Berlin to watch it and had a few other bits planned whilst in London and his weekend sounded great! You should join a group on facebook called families who (heart emoji) theatre official. Loads of them there go on their own.

thedevilinablackdress · 18/08/2019 18:23

Not in the least weird, just commented on another thread about solo gig-going.
I do know some people who never do anything like that alone, not even going for a coffee or lunch. Their loss.

Pipandmum · 18/08/2019 18:26

My sister often goes to th

Pipandmum · 18/08/2019 18:26

I started so I’ll finish!
My sister often goes to the ballet on her own. Enjoy!

MrsMozartMkII · 18/08/2019 18:26

Hope you go and have a lovely time.

Catmar · 18/08/2019 18:30

Not pathetic at all. Go. Smile

captainprincess · 18/08/2019 18:39

Not one bit weird and I'm super jealous! I think the cinema/theatre can be as much of a solo activity as a group one to be honest. Like others say, you don't talk during the performance and the interval is spent going to the bathroom!
Have the best time :)

Original poster
cwtchesandprosecco · 18/08/2019 20:32

Ah thank you everyone! You’re totally right, I probably wouldn’t notice or think twice about anyone on their own at the theatre so not sure why I think everyone will notice me! And I’m really really excited to see the show. Just a shame it’s 3 months away!

OP posts:
JapaneseBirdPainting · 18/08/2019 20:34

It sounds great! I love going to things on my own. I am a worrier and if I go with someone I worry they are not enjoying it. If I go on my own then I can just relax into the experience and enjoy to the max. :)

Pogmella · 18/08/2019 20:35

What a rude reaction! Sounds like a fab night out- enjoy. I do the cinema alone semi regularly so I can actually watch the artsy stuff I want to (ahem, and um, Paddington 2 without any kids...)

BuggerOffAndGoodDayToYou · 18/08/2019 20:38

My DD frequently goes to shows on her own. She gets last minute availability tickets and has a great time. Only once has someone commented on her being alone (that she is aware of) and that was another late teen who struck up a conversation with her during the interval.

AwkwardSquad · 18/08/2019 20:41

Not strange at all. I’ve done it - it’s actually rather nice, on occasion, to be able to just please yourself and arrange your outing entirely around your own preferences.

0pheIiaBaIIs · 18/08/2019 20:42

I've done it myself loads when I was young and single and I loved it! Also used to go to gigs, clubs, bars etc alone. I'd go as far as to say I've had some of my best evenings when I've gone solo!

Have a fab time OP Smile

BackforGood · 18/08/2019 20:53

Agree with everyone else. It's not weird or pathetic at all. Like you say, you are sitting quietly when the show is on anyway, so theatre and cinema are both very normal places to go on your own.
I mostly go to the theatre on my own - means, like you say you can just take advantage of a good price of ticket when you see it, and don't miss the chance through trying to accommodate other people's diaries or budgets or in trying to get a group together. Also means you are not wasting either time, or money going to see things you don't want to see, in order to 'pay back' a friend who came to see something with you that they didn't want to see.
Theatre is expensive. It makes no sense whatsoever to get someone who isn't particularly bothered about a show, to go along to it, just because you aren't a confident enough person to go on your own.
YOur friend's comment says a lot more about her than you.