To go to shows on your own

[Buttercup95]

I just wondered what other people's thoughts are on the subject of going out, eg to see a show or a film on your own? Our local theatre always puts on a good variety of shows, plays, musical acts etc but I never have anyone to go with, but I've started lately to think why shouldn't I go, even though I'm on my own? Would it be weird for a woman in her late 30s (who has no friends) to do this or is it perfectly acceptable to do things alone?

Of course it's fine to go on your own. I often go to films by myself, and have also been to plays, talks, gigs etc solo. Plays feel a bit more awkward than films becayse the intervals seem designed for socialising, but I've never found anyone giving me odd looks or anything.

But if you would like to have some friends to go with, could you check online for any meet-up groups locally? Or offer a 'spare' ticket to someone you know a little but wouldn't count as a friend (yet)?

I have tried the meet-up thing, the trouble I have with that is my DH works long hours and often I can't make the meet-ups on offer near me, but I do keep looking. I guess the beauty of having a smartphone is that when the interval comes I can just "check" my phone and no one will ever know I'm not actually with anyone because everyone does the same

I go to the theatre alone quite a bit, and lots of people do - reading the programme or phone in the interval, which isn't long once you use the loos and get an icecream. I do prefer having someone to go with and chat to after about the play, but can do that online if someone I know has been on a different night.

I'm more uncomfortable going to the cinema alone, which is odd as it's a less obviously sociable experience, but I suppose more risk of strange people coming to bother you and no staff about to intervene.

Thanks for the replies, it's good to see that going to a show alone isn't that uncommon then

I see people at the theatre by themselves all the time. I love it because it always makes me think that they're a clever, interesting, independent person.

I go to the theatre, cinema, opera all the time on my own. I love it!

I'm going to go to a show on my own tonight. I'm a little bit nervous because I'm not sure about seating arrangements, but other than that I'm sure I will be fine! If anyone wants to judge, I've decided that that's their problem, not mine

Have a great time!

since splitting up with my husband, part of my new 'time for me and self care' routine has been to go to shows and gigs on my own. (We didn't really go out as a couple and I feel like I have missed out on quite a lot over the years)

Been to 2 gigs and two musicals alone this years, I have a few more planned in the coming months (I don't have friends or close family) and was really surprised at how many other solo people were there too

I was anxious that everyone would be looking at me as if I'm a weirdo, (they didn't) and came out feeling really empowered and confident

The only thing I'd probably not do alone is eat in a restaurant, I'm not that brave yet!

I will eventually try the meetup groups etc and see what occurs, but for now I'm just enjoying my own company and being me

Do it and don't worry!

I went and it was all fine! Didn't really feel out of place on my own, and would happily do it again!