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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Standing for a theatre show

28 replies

Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:13

This is not really an AIBU more can I do this. I would like to go and see a show and tickets are really expensive however there are cheap standing tickets high up at the back.

Just wondering if I can stand for 2 1/2 hrs for the show - I'm 50s and fit. Has anyone done this at the theatre or at a concert? Have done a concert but that was years ago. I just don't know if it's worth it for seeing something I really want to see.

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 05/03/2023 16:15

Surely you’re the only person who can realistically answer that?

I could stand for 2.5hrs. If you’re able-bodied it’s not hard. Whether I wanted to do so would depend on what I was seeing.

jay55 · 05/03/2023 16:16

I've done standing for theatre shows, mostly when younger and I'd not do it now.
Some places are great as there's something to lean on, others not and so more difficult.

Are there lottery or dayseats (often on todaytix app) as those are usually cheap and often good seats.

Lamelie · 05/03/2023 16:18

I’ve often done this for something I really want to see or don’t want to pay £££ for. Similar age and fitness, it’s very doable.

Original poster
Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:24

Thanks all, the responses have helped me decide. I suppose I won't know til I try it - so I'm going to go! I'm thinking I can get to the bar quickly for the interval and get a sit down then for 15 minutes 😂

OP posts:
JMSA · 05/03/2023 16:25

I probably could but definitely wouldn't want to.

ASGIRC · 05/03/2023 16:26

Those tickets are usually by the back wall, so you can probably lean back as well, if you start feeling a bit tired.

Clarinet1 · 05/03/2023 16:27

Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:24

Thanks all, the responses have helped me decide. I suppose I won't know til I try it - so I'm going to go! I'm thinking I can get to the bar quickly for the interval and get a sit down then for 15 minutes 😂

I was about to suggest that the interval might provide some respite!

minipie · 05/03/2023 16:30

I did it ages ago in my 20s

TBH the distance from stage was more of an issue than the standing. Couldn’t see or hear especially well as I was so far away and it was a play rather than a big musical number so seeing facial expressions was quite important. The combination meant I didn’t really enjoy the show.

So I’d say depends on the theatre size and type of show, and length of the show too.

Newgirls · 05/03/2023 16:32

At the globe you stand in the pit and are right by the stage so get the best view. Same at Abba voyage. Not sure I’d stand right at the back but if cheap you could do it and leave if uncomfortable

iloveredwine · 05/03/2023 16:34

Is it Hamilton? I've been considering this too

Briallen · 05/03/2023 16:35

I could do it but I really wouldn’t want to unless the tickets were way way cheaper and it was something I was desperate to see but couldn’t otherwise

OrangeKettle · 05/03/2023 16:37

I can run and I walk a lot. However, standing is so uncomfortable, I get a really bad back. So I’d hate it!

Original poster
Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:37

iloveredwine · 05/03/2023 16:34

Is it Hamilton? I've been considering this too

No - Shirley Valentine. I have seen Hamilton (seated) - tickets were expensive (6+ yrs ago so dread to think what they are now). It is v long so not sure about standing for that, although it was very good.

OP posts:
ThinWomansBrain · 05/03/2023 16:37

Did it for a concert once at the Royal Albert Hall - decades ago
OK in that you could move back lean on wall/sit on floor, etc - it was just being so far from the stage made it a pretty pointless TBH
Look for discounted tickets, or is it likely to be screened at cinemas?

stayathomer · 05/03/2023 16:38

Went to a concert recently and spent the whole time thanking god I wasn’t down at the standing part. If you think you can you should go for it!

Original poster
Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:39

OrangeKettle · 05/03/2023 16:37

I can run and I walk a lot. However, standing is so uncomfortable, I get a really bad back. So I’d hate it!

Yes good point, can get achey these days - and next price up has benches which would probably be just as uncomfortable. Aargh, tricky decision!

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 05/03/2023 16:40

Is it just you, OP? I’d take a chance on a late booking on the day - often there are single tickets at bargain prices.

cortisolqueen · 05/03/2023 16:41

I did this a few years back. At the interval the staff told me that there were spare seats at the front of the circle that I could use as the person who booked them hadn't been able to make it - that was the best scenario!

Original poster
Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:46

NoSquirrels · 05/03/2023 16:40

Is it just you, OP? I’d take a chance on a late booking on the day - often there are single tickets at bargain prices.

Yes just me for a mid-week matinee - if I go with a friend, I'm going to have to go at the weekend and I will pay a lot more as I can't see any of my friends being happy with the standing tickets!

Go idea re single tickets

OP posts:
Original poster
Mincepieeyes22 · 05/03/2023 16:47

cortisolqueen · 05/03/2023 16:41

I did this a few years back. At the interval the staff told me that there were spare seats at the front of the circle that I could use as the person who booked them hadn't been able to make it - that was the best scenario!

That would be ideal - it has great reviews and is almost fully booked so not sure I would be so lucky!

OP posts:
Lcb123 · 05/03/2023 16:50

I’ve stood at the royal opera house, was fine as could lean on a bar in front of me. And stood at the Globe too. It’s fine. Sometimes they will let you take spare seats

ididntwanttodoit · 05/03/2023 16:58

The last time I stood throughout a show was a concert, I was 63. Wasn't sure if I'd cope, but on the day it was no problem at all. Only you know how fit you are! I've also stood at the back of a theatre, but with something to lean on, that's fine.

AnybodyAnywhere · 05/03/2023 17:06

I’m 68 and stand at local Rock pub for 3h - 3.5h most weekends … I’m not saying it’s comfortable but it’s a choice of stand or stay home!

I reckon you can do it, just focus on the show and wear very comfortable shoes. It has it’s advantages, if you’re near a noisy person you can easily move 😊

Wingedharpy · 05/03/2023 17:10

What about a walking stick with attached seat?
Approx £40 - or would that cost mean you may as well buy a ticket?!
Sorry - can't do links but some clever soul will be along who can.

Guis23 · 05/03/2023 17:13

I wouldn't enjoy it for a show. But can for a concert.
Mind, many venues these days are no standing allowed. Which can almost kill a concert.

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