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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:
Iusedtobecarmen · 03/10/2022 23:26

OP
I want to say yes!do it!
Only because I started a similar thread a few months ago. Except I wanted to go back and re watch a show I'd already seen with friends, so I could stalk one of the stars😍🤔

I would still ideally like to go and see it before it ends , but it would be in a different city.
My friends aren't really theatre people either.
And it is expensive to expect someone to go twice in my case!
In my head I want to go by myself , but its hard as I love to get dressed up,have a drink before and at the interval. Sing my head off at a musical!
I can still do those things in my own but it's slightly awkward. I need to be brave.

Candymay · 03/10/2022 23:29

go and be in the room where it happens

PanPacificBallroomChampion · 03/10/2022 23:32

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.

But not everyone feels like this and are very personable and polite to others.

PurpleFlower1983 · 03/10/2022 23:33

I go alone loads because we have no childcare, DH and I usually tag team a matinee and evening show in the West End. Do it! No one cares!

Iusedtobecarmen · 03/10/2022 23:33

Candymay · 03/10/2022 23:29

go and be in the room where it happens

Yes!!!

OldTinHat · 03/10/2022 23:37

Oh you must go! It's only scary the first time!

I go to the cinema all the time by myself and the theatre about four times a year. The theatre is better because there's an interval and you can people watch at the bar or stay in your seat or eat ice cream or even go home if its too much or too boring!

Give it a whirl! Just tell yourself that you can go home any time you like and then go with the flow.

MrsAvocet · 03/10/2022 23:47

I've never been to the theatre alone, well, not since I was a student anyway, but I do go to the cinema on my own, especially since I retired. I go to afternoon showings whilst DH is working and DC at school. That way I can see things neither of them is really interested in without feeling guilty that I'm eating into time that we could be spending doing that we all enjoy. I really like a bit of time to totally do my own thing.
I doubt anyone will even notice that you're alone, and if they do, so what? It's not a bad thing to do what you want, just for you, on your own sometimes. Go and enjoy ýourself!

ThereIbledit · 03/10/2022 23:47

The theatre is one of the places I'm more comfortable than usual going to by my self :)

TokyoTen · 03/10/2022 23:51

Go! I've done it and it's fine. Also you may not be the only one alone!

WhatsitWiggle · 03/10/2022 23:52

I went to see Come from Away by myself - was in London for work so decided to get Rush tickets for that evening. Was certainly not the only solo person to do this. Bonus of this musical is no interval! I think Six is the same.

saltinesandcoffeecups · 04/10/2022 01:37

@Squirrelsquirrel What is the absolute worst thing you can imagine happening by going by yourself. If I’m right, you’d feel a bit conspicuous or silly at intermission, before the show, or after the show. You decide that you never go to a show solo again. But at the same time you’ve pushed yourself a little and still seen a good show.

Go and enjoy yourself!

DaisyChristina · 04/10/2022 02:00

You'll be fine!

I went the theatre in a different city by myself and stayed the night in an Airbnb.

I had a great time and didn't feel uncomfortable, I was just so happy to see the show.

MrsFezziwig · 04/10/2022 02:02

I go to the theatre by myself a lot. Honestly can’t see the problem. I also go with friends, and when I do we’re chatting to each other at the interval, we’re certainly not looking round for people on their own to point and laugh at. Most people are on their phones anyway.

I use the half-price TKTs booth a lot. Ticket availability is a lot better when you’re a single.

ZoeCM · 04/10/2022 02:11

Why not? Have fun, OP.

Original poster
Squirrelsquirrel · 04/10/2022 07:26

OK I'll be brave 🤣 I get paid tomorrow so I'll get a ticket.
Unfortunately this particular theatre never does discounted / late tickets. They'd rather have a half empty theatre than sell cheap tickets 1hr before the show.

OP posts:
iratepirate · 04/10/2022 07:29

I love going to the theatre (or our local indie cinema) by myself. It’s a lovely experience, and I often am interested in watching things which DH wouldn’t enjoy, so he happily stays at home with the DC.
I don’t see it as much different to having differing tastes in movies or tv shows etc.

Book the tickets and enjoy yourself!

Hbh17 · 04/10/2022 07:32

Just do it! I go to the theatre by myself often, including at night, in the West End etc. You don't need to try to make conversation with people, just enjoy the show & put a book in your pocket if you are self-conscious about the interval. Nobody notices, nobody cares, and you will have a fantastic time.

KangarooKenny · 04/10/2022 07:33

I go to gigs by myself. There’s always someone to chat to.

MinnieMountain · 04/10/2022 07:38

I’ve only been to the theatre once by myself (Cabaret) but I often go to the cinema alone. It’s fine.

lannistunut · 04/10/2022 07:40

PanPacificBallroomChampion · 03/10/2022 23:32

But not everyone feels like this and are very personable and polite to others.

Show quote history

It is very rude to just impose on someone else in this way, people may be polite but that does not mean they are enjoying it! It is polite to leave people be.

Skiphopbump · 04/10/2022 07:41

I’ve noticed quite a few people at the theatre on their own, I’ve been on my own too and would do so again.

lannistunut · 04/10/2022 07:41

@Squirrelsquirrel It is completely run of the mill to go to a theatre alone, I do it and see others who do too. No one cares at all that you are there on your own.

eyeteevee · 04/10/2022 07:57

@PanPacificBallroomChampion

But not everyone feels like this and are very personable and polite to others.

Did you actually just suggest I am neither perosn ale nor polite because I would not enjoy talking to a stranger at the theatre?

Im actually autistic (I did mention this already) so my ability to communicate dips in highly stressful situations such as going to the theatre alone. I love the theatre, but it takes so much out of me - I'm anxious, hyper aware of my surroundings, trying not to get in peoples way (also clumsy) and generally on high alert. It's very hard but worth it for the experience.

Please don't assume that makes me any less polite than anyone else, I'm just not able to add small talk into that situation.

eyeteevee · 04/10/2022 07:59

Also as a PP said upthread, I would appear polite, because I'm not actually rude, but I would not enjoy the interaction. Trying to have a conversation when your brain is subbing in all directions isn't easy. But if someone talked to me, I'm not rude to them.

Original poster
Squirrelsquirrel · 04/10/2022 08:10

I have no intention of striking up a conversation with people. I'll be polite but I don't generally like talking to strangers.

OP posts: