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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to the theatre by myself

126 replies

Squirrelsquirrel · 03/10/2022 22:27

I'm happy to do most things by myself. I KNOW that nobody notices, let alone cares.

However, I'm scared to go to the theatre by myself which is stupid because people won't even see me in the dark! I think the interval reminds me school lunchtimes where I'd hide in the toilets bored, because I had no friends. I'd be tempted to do it again. 🤣

There is a musical I really want to see but I have no one to go with.

Tell me how much you enjoy going to the theatre by yourself, especially for exciting, cheerful musicals! Reassure me that if people find out I went by myself they won't pity me as a Billy no mates. Talk me into booking a single ticket and reassure me that lots of people do it but I've just never noticed (because I don't care).

OP posts:
NisekoWhistler · 03/10/2022 22:28

Do it, you will not regret it

LastInTheQueue · 03/10/2022 22:29

Do it! I got on my own quite often and love it. What are you going to see?

cardibach · 03/10/2022 22:29

I would (and have). And I order an interval drink and sit or stand enjoying it and people watching. You’ll be fine!

WhileMyGuitarGentlyWeeps · 03/10/2022 22:30

Done this a few times, and the cinema too. Nothing wrong with it. Sometimes it's nice to be alone.

I went for a LOVELY day trip alone a few weeks ago to the Peak District. Not too far from me, about 45 mins drive, but I LOVED my little day trip driving around the moors and looking at some lakes and woodlands/forests. Smile

cathyandclare · 03/10/2022 22:30

I genuinely think the theatre is one of the very best things to do alone, I've seen many shows and plays on my own while waiting for the kids. I just read through the programme/ have an ice-cream or a glass of wine at the interval. Enjoy !

BCBird · 03/10/2022 22:30

You will regret it if u miss it. Go girl😁take your earphones or a book for the interval and obviously some chocolate🤣

SuperCamp · 03/10/2022 22:30

Go!

Loads of people go to the theatre by themselves. You will love the show.

PeppaPigIsBacon · 03/10/2022 22:30

I go to the theatre on my own all the time. Never been an issue.

You can sometimes get really good deals on single tickets, as well, because they can be hard to sell too many people are scared to go alone

marmitegirl01 · 03/10/2022 22:30

You’ll probably get a great seat as your single ticket will fill a gap!!
do it!!!

Precipice · 03/10/2022 22:31

It's no problem. Half of the interval is taken up by the wait for the toilets if you don't get there quickly enough anyway.

Talipesmum · 03/10/2022 22:31

Go! Much easier to just book one seat. Have a glass of wine in the interval, looking elegant leaning against the bar like you’re observing life scuttle by. Or keep your nose in your phone! Nobody will mind!

DoodlePug · 03/10/2022 22:31

I see plenty of people on their own at the theatre. I always assume they're arty types who wouldn't want to be distracted by companions, or friends of the theatre who've been able to bag a free spare seat. Certainly don't think anything negative about them.

LemoncHello7 · 03/10/2022 22:31

I have to travel to London a couple of times of year for work and always go and see a show on my own. I absolutely love it and it’s a real highlight of the trip. I am definitely not the only one, I always see people on the own. Do it, you won’t regret it !

MrsNobodyMM · 03/10/2022 22:31

I like to go by myself as I'm there to experience the show and not to chit chat with people. I'd say it's the perfect solo activity.

Clarich007 · 03/10/2022 22:32

Yes definately do it, also just try chatting to the person in the next seat. Takes a bit of courage I know but is nice to talk.
I moved from Yorkshire to work in Cambridge, didn't know anyone, so I went everywhere by myself. Theatre cinema, restaurants, day trips. Was a revelation and gave me a bit of confidence.

DoodlePug · 03/10/2022 22:33

You can eat much more on your own too. My usual theatre friend only eats a couple of chocolates and I feel too piggy to eat freely when she's being so sensible so I scoff them all in the car on the way home

eyeteevee · 03/10/2022 22:34

I do it all the time. The first time was hard, it was a familiar theatre though so I knew they layout which helped me plan the time filling at the interval. Since then I have never looked back. Im autistic so have to know every detail - I read the accessibility guides on the theatre website as it can help work out where best to sit for getting in and out easily.

eyeteevee · 03/10/2022 22:36

Yes definately do it, also just try chatting to the person in the next seat. Takes a bit of courage I know but is nice to talk.

I actually hate this.

Original poster
Squirrelsquirrel · 03/10/2022 22:36

See, that's the thing, I've eaten in restaurants by myself. I don't like that much but if I'm hungry, I get over it! I regularly go to museums and stuff by myself. I've not done any day trips but I would.

It would probably be a weekday matinee so maybe more single people?

It's for The King and I.

OP posts:
lugeforlife · 03/10/2022 22:36

Go! I have been a few times over the years pre kids and always loved it. I have fairly niche taste (I did restoration theatre as part of my degree many moons ago and adore it) and no bugger would ever come with me.

I quite often used to go to matinees if I could and would get lunch, have a good mooch around etc. proper time to myself.

Ohhhh I quite fancy going again actually. Just myself to please - bliss.

Original poster
Squirrelsquirrel · 03/10/2022 22:37

@Precipice especially if scary cats like me are hiding in the cubicles hogging them! 😄

OP posts:
rookiemere · 03/10/2022 22:38

I always go on my own when in London. I managed to bag a seat for the opening night of Cabaret that way.

Going to the theatre is - by it's very nature - a fairly solitary endeavour. Other than the interval there's no talking to other people anyway. I just pretend to be really engrossed in my phone right up to the production starting.

LondonLovie · 03/10/2022 22:40

Do something everyday that scares you a little :) The way I try and look at things like
this (and I suffer from anxiety) is that the flip is worse - you are missing out on a wonderful, fulfilling experience. If the world ended tomorrow, you would 100% regret not going, but I highly doubt you would regret going. It'll be brilliant

Cherryana · 03/10/2022 22:40

I do this - especially as two tickets can be quite expensive particularly for a DH who isn’t bothered.

It really is no big deal - also you have a phone to distract you in the interval.

TheSausageKingofChicago · 03/10/2022 22:41

I love going to the theatre by myself! I go early and get myself some food first, and a drink in the bar. I take a book, so I can absorb myself but I usually get chatting to someone else. You often bump into a couple of friendly middle aged women who are up for a chat 😂