Going to my first ever ballet…please help.

[FormerlySpeckledyHen]

I’m going to Sadlers Wells on my own on Saturday afternoon to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.
I’m very excited but feeling a bit nervous-ageing rock chick festival goer.

Is there anything I need to know? When to clap 👏 for instance!?
Will I look silly on my own? (Too late anyway)
Will I be OK wearing good jeans and accessories?
Anything of note about the venue?

Anything really 💁🏻‍♀️

Thank you.

There's not meant to be any dialogue so don't panic that someone's forgotten their lines or you've gone deaf.

I saw it on Saturday for the 2nd time and echo what everyone else has said.
It is truly stunning and the first time I went I was just amazed at what could be told through dance and music alone! How did I understand what was going on without there being any dialogue?!?!
The live orchestra is simply stunning. Honestly I feel goosebumpy just thinking about it.

As a previous poster said, it can be a bit draughty so a scarf is useful (dh didn't take his off)

Have a wonderful time 😊

Jealous!

queues for the ladies in London theatres are often super long, I almost always skip pre and interval drinks for that reason!

Another lunch recommendation is the Duncan Terrace cafe - not fancy, but tasty and lunch can be a tenner.

Wow, so many more replies.
A huge thank you to everyone who has replied, even the sarky ones 😁

After seeing a bit on YouTube I realised that the end of Billy Elliot was this production.
I had a friend who was mortified at a classical music concert for doing the wrong thing, and I didn’t want to wally myself. My happy place usually includes Fender Stratocasters played by old men, and the Royal Albert Hall!

So excited now for Saturday, I’ve got a great seat I think, bought last minute.
Cashmere scarf is always attached to me at this time of year, so thanks for that tip.
I’m glad that the ROH has been mentioned too, as I’m going there in May, again a Saturday matinee ballet. Looking forward to the venue for that one.

Lunch recommendations look perfect too - thanks again.

Off to look for some Adam Cooper footage🤞

I go to ballet and opera on my own and have noticed I'm not the only one to do so, so you won't stand out as being on your own.

I almost always wear jeans when I go.

A Saturday afternoon performance is more likely to have families there and with people dressed less formally than an evening one. Probably more people going for the first time too.

I hope you have a lovely day out.

I keep making vague plans to do 'something different', stretch my comfort zone, and to do them alone, but not made much progress yet - so well done.

Wear what you like. The only people I’ve ever been judgy about are the selfish morons who are on their phones during a performance. Have a great time.

Avoid asking, as I did when my stepmother first took me to the ballet, what language the ballet is in. She said: 'The language of movement'.

Nothing else to add to the excellent advice here apart from enjoy yourself. If you get into ballet and opera you can see them cheaply at the cinema as productions from the Royal opera house and the met are screened on a regular basis.

I went to MB Swan Lake earlier this month.

A couple of rows in front, a youngish guy in hoodie and jeans sat down next to an old couple and introduced himself saying, "It is my new year's resolution to do one new thing a month. This is the first. Do I need to know anything?" and then seemed to have a lovely chat.

I was dying to know the other things he was doing!

Probably about half my theatre trips are by myself.

My DD is going next week on a school trip. It's her first trip to the ballet, so hoping she'll like it

Enjoy OP!

It’ll be obvious when to clap
ive been to the theatre a few times and it’s fine
I wore jeans when I went to see that show.

It’s amazing. take tissues!

Oh it's an amazing production. I love it - was going to get tickets again and I forget actually. Wait for the dance of the cygnets - its great!

If you enjoy it, look out for the Ballet Trocaderos de Monte Carlo tour. They're an all male comedy ballet troupe and their take on Swan Lake is brilliant, but probably doesn't make so much sense unless you've seen a more serious version.

Omg you’re going to see one of the best ballets ever.

Take tissues and just immerse yourself.

Its a stunning production.

over think …. Go and enjoy it 🩰

Love the MB version. I was at another ballet a couple of nights ago with a group of friends - complete mix of outfits in our group from jeans to dresses and heels. And as many others have said, plenty go on their own. Have a lovely time

I saw this at Sadlers Wells. As we left the theatre at the end, all the cygnets were stood at various points on the stairs saying good bye to the audience. I thought that was really lovely.

It’s absolutely boiling in the high up seats, so dress lightly.

I’m overwhelmed by the number of responses and all the good wishes from you all.
Thank you 🌻
It seems that I have chosen a great ‘first’ 🩰!

They might have fixed this. When we went a couple of weeks ago my husband - who never feels the cold - complained he was cold.

(I am an old granny who lives in thermals so was fine)

It was quite chilly high up last Saturday! Take a cardi and a scarf 😉😆

What’s the weather like at the front of the first circle 🤣?

Ooo it's brilliant op - enjoy!

It's amazing and you will love it - MB ballets are the very best - I think his Cinderella and Red Shoes are my favourite.

When you go to the Royal Opera House have a glass of wine in the top outdoor bar with such lovely views