To go to theatre alone

[InsomniacVampire]

I came across something on twitter the other day, a young girl saying she went to theatre on her own and was quizzed by two ladies next to her enquiring why she was not sat 'with her friends'- and they could not believe she was not with friends and kopt on making comments how it was weird she was not with anyone. Which in return made me feel weird as I always go on my own.

Firstly, because I don't have that many friends, secondly the ones I do are not that interested in theatre, but in the end, I kind of like picking something I want to see and not worry the other person (people) may not like it (if it's shit, I only have myself to blame rather than someone else being annoyed they wasted money or that we sat behind the pillar as I usually try to pick cheaper seats 😂), it's just the convenience of being able to see whatever whenever.

But I went the other day to see something and everyone but few people seemed to be wither with partners or bigger groups of people and I wondered if I am not missing out and made me feel a bit self-conscious. Is there like an app where you could just meet people for a play chat and say bye? So it looks like you're with friends (but maybe can make some?).

Oh what utter nonsense! I have a partner and I have friends but I OFTEN choose to go to the theatre on my own - it's one of my main hobbies. Nobody has ever questioned me. Nobody needs an app to meet other people - let's please not perpetuate the stereotype that women are too feeble to go out alone or to enjoy themselves.

I used to go on my own a lot when I was travelling with work. It’s fine! The people commenting are obviously not brave enough to go alone.

I went solo to a classical music concert when I was 16. Two elderly gentlemen were shocked and 'escorted' me for the evening - fetching me drinks and everything, then put me in a taxi to go home. It was lovely 🙂

I like going on my own but DH gets offended. It’s easier to get a single ticket and just go if it’s something you really want to see.

I sat behind Ethan Hawke once, spent the evening trying to listen in.

Whaaaat? DH often pops to the west end after work. I’ve got a few solo tickets booked. Love it!

I’ve been a couple of times on my own. Got a glass of wine first, people watched, little chat to the person sitting next to me…didn’t seem odd at all. The advantage of a theatre is that before/after the play it’s very bustly and nobody’s paying any attention to you. So of all the places to sit and have a drink alone as a woman it’s probably one of the easiest.

I saw that tweet and if you look at the responses many people said they often go alone.

99% of the time i go alone too and i go once it twice a month to the theatre. I like a good bargain and they are often the solo seats or something that needs to be booked then and there.

Last show i saw on my own, there were at least 3 other people on my row there solo (Heathers).

I went to watch "a little life"'on my own. It was hard to get tickets and I couldn't be bothered to ask around if anyone else wanted to go. I didn't see anyone else on their own and whilst it would have been nice to have someone to discuss things , it was absolutely fine.

I used to go on my own all the time. It’s the best!

I love going to the theatre on my own - there’s a lot going on in my life & it’s great to escape for a few hours. When I lived in London I went all the time plus to the ballet, ENO etc as you could get really cheap seats. Also enjoy museums, galleries etc alone but for some reason I’ve never been to the cinema without company.

Please keep going alone! Doing stuff solo is really healthy and not at all weird. I've just been for a hike alone, stumbled upon a lovely music festival in a coastal town. Enjoyed the music, got a drink and then dinner alone. Absolute bliss not having to wonder is DP enjoying, having to discuss what to eat, whether to leave or get another drink.

I always go on my own too - theatre, gigs, cinema, ballet.

I don't like being expected to chat about whatever it was afterwards, and part of the reason I go to any of them is for some peace by myself. I also like the freedom to walk out if I want to without worrying about what the other person is going to do. The last time was Amelie (which I left at the interval) and had I been with somebody else I would have felt obliged to stay until the end. One La La Land in a lifetime is enough.

I take my daughter to the theatre if it's something that I think she'd enjoy but usually go on my own.

I enjoy my own company and have never been made to feel odd for being on my own. I always see other people in the audience who are also on their own.

I go to orchestral concerts on my own all the time without a second thought.I love the freedom and as a PP says,it's much easier to get last minute tickets if it's only for one.DH is too unwell to do the whole night out thing now ; I used to have a 'Concert Buddy' but she became terribly unreliable,often cancelling at short notice,so I'm happy going on my own.

I've only ever been questioned once about it,to be told that I was "awfully brave" attending on my own🤣

I mean I’d rather go on my own than with such a judgemental interfering person as described.

I do loads of things alone. Never embarrassed

I love going to the theatre in my own. I also love going to the theatre with friends!

I also travel a lot for work so go to restaurants on my own a fair bit. I also enjoy going out to eat with friends!

I'm not bothered what anyone thinks!

Another one who loves going to the theatre alone! I sometimes go with others too, but wouldn't hesitate to book something I want to see on a day that best suits me. I wouldn't have a clue whether or not others are on their own, let alone judge them for it, so please don't be put off by that. Recently saw 'Bleak Expectations' and did think that would be fun to see with someone else as it's really light hearted, great fun and easy watching, but when it's something dark or serious, I actually prefer to think about it and not have to discuss it with anyone else straight after!