Going to the Theatre alone

[Aquarius1234]

Is going to the Theatre alone sad and lonely?
I like plays in London but it seems more of an effort these days finding someone to join me.
But it's also boring having no one to chat with after..

I often go alone as it means no babysitter and no trying to find a friend who’s available. It’s easier.

Try ringing the booking office if the website won’t let you leave a single seat.

I am in my 50s and have gone alone for years. DD is in her twenties and would never go alone unless absolutely desperate. I don't think this is entirely an age thing. My 78 year-old-mum goes for stuff alone. It's a confidence thing.

Not at all. I was at the theatre earlier in the week on my on, i often go alone.

I've realised that I am missing out on theatre shows I would like to see just because I don't have anyone to come with me.

So in the past year, I've been taking myself and I love it! I get to see shows I otherwise never would and get to wander round London at my own pace. When you end up going solo, you start to notice how many other solo individuals there are- you just don't really notice when you are in a group.

It's not strange. Take yourself out on a date. Or, as I did, for a long weekend away!

Not as sad as needing someone to hold your hand. You are a grown up not a toddler!

Yes what is with flaky people and ghosting! so rude.

OP you are literally the only perosn on your thread suggesting there is anything weird or wrong about it! 'What's wrong with it?' Nothing!
Stop listening to small minded people and start booking tickets to stuff you want to see. If anyone is bothered enough to say something just brush it off and tell them how much you're looking forwards to/ how much you enjoyed the show.
I went to the Guys and Dolls matinee by myself yesterday and didn't feel remotely tragic.

Nothing wrong at all. Especially if others have different tastes, in fact if they don't come with you, someone who has the same theatre preferences gets a seat.

I won't go to opera as it is not to my taste, someone who likes it gets the seat I would have had.

@CharlotteRumpling no ofcourse you are right.

Looking at my own social group though and adults in different generations in my family, those that have worked outside of the house or have generally lived more independent lives, used to spending time on their own and money on themselves are less likely to find doing activities solo unusual. Whereas those that have always been SAHM, looking after grandchildren or elderly care and generally have themselves at the bottom of the list don't think to spend time and money on what they enjoy and find it odd when others do. But Im sure it's more complicated than that on a wider scale.

OP were you bullied at school or didn't have many friends? I think for a lot of adults that vulnerability and sensitivity of being thought of as being 'Billy no mates' is hard to shake even decades after leaving the education system.

I’ve recently started going to the cinema by myself. got a membership with unlimited films so I can take myself off whenever I want. I absolutely love it. Not sad at all

It is annoying when people pity you for having to go solo.
Are they definitely pitying you? How odd. I go on my own, whenever I've mentioned it I've just had comments of "sounds lovely" and asking what I saw.

If someone did ask if I'd been on my own and looked pitying I'd just reply positively saying yes and I really enjoyed it.

I was at the cinema on my own once in my early 20s. Two men were talking a bit loudly and I heard them say incredulously, "she's here on her own". I turned round and raised my beer I was taking in and said cheerily "Yes I am. And I've got a pint". Very much enjoyed how taken aback they looked.

I actively prefer going to the theatre and cinema by myself - it's my time to completely absorb myself in whatever I'm watching and without having to think about whether somebody else wants to chat or whether they're enjoying it or not. As a PP said, it's literally a solo activity.

I've been known to go back and watch things again after I've been with someone else and it's definitely better .

Ok I think its probably becoming more 'mainstream' going to the theatre alone and esp cinema.
Yes people always did it before, but I think its being talked about more and it could hopefully be anyone on their own, not just people with no friends or family.
I would say loud cheesy musicals and being on your own would be boring for me as its mainly all female and everyone getting tipsy and loud.

It's really not sad or lonely. I love going to theatre and cinema alone. Also love eating alone in Chinatown (London) beforehand. Very good for the soul :)

Yes I think its because I am also single. But oh well. I am not gonna miss out.
I like to chat so that is the only thing I miss. Yes you can say a few words while sat down, but not the same as a good friend to eat with after.

I do this all the time, mostly because I tend to get last minute tickets to save money and it’s too difficult to coordinate with other people at short notice!

The only downside really is not being able to discuss it afterwards but I find not all my friends are that interested in dissecting plays in detail anyway 😁 I usually just go to reviews or online forums if I want to talk about the play after I’ve seen it.

I’m a regular at the theatre and concerts on my own. Love it. I have plenty of friends, but fixing the whole thing up can be a chore and I often leave in the interval if I’m not enjoying it, which doesn’t suit everyone.

Plus I like sitting right at the front, even the front row, which doesn’t suit everyone…

Wouldn’t bother me in the least!

Didn't know how to vote but I was doing this from my early 20s when I first went to live in London - usually at Saturday matinees. I know what you mean about not having anyone to talk to about it but I still really enjoyed it!

It’s normal to go alone- I go. Get the cheap seats on the day. It’s great- it’s dark in there and no one has a clue if you’re on your own. They may be as well x

I’ve just started going to the theatre on my own this year and I love it. My partner or friends aren’t into musicals so I thought I’d try going myself and it wasn’t strange at all. There are always a few people on their own anyway.

I’ve seen 6 shows this year and I’ve got another 4 or 5 booked.

Go and have fun.

Would it be sadder not to see a play you want to see because no one was available to come with you? Last time I went to see a play alone, a quite famous actress was sitting directly behind me, also alone. I didn’t actually notice her until the man next to me (who turned out to be the husband of one of the cast members, also alone) said who she was. I had to run off afterwards, because I had a babysitter, but he invited me backstage to meet his wife.

So cool people go to see plays by themselves.

Go, and then start a thread on MN on your way back. "Just got back from seeing Dear England. Anyone else seen it and want to talk about it?"

I wouldn't recommend doing that with Slave Play, but most other things should get a decent chat.

I do this all the time and love it! It's only the same as going to a gallery on your own