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Post by CG on the loose on May 13, 2017 8:34:11 GMT
I reckon my theatre-going is about 50/50 solo or in company - most of my regional stuff is solo as my theatre buddies are all London-based and the London stuff depends on their preferences and availability - am equally happy either way. Thankfully we know each other well enough to just say no if something doesn't appeal and not to take offence if someone goes ahead and books for themselves before hearing back from everyone else if timing is a thing. Concerts, on the other hand, tend to be in company and that's when the ticket-buying pressure kicks in!
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 8:44:21 GMT
My worst experience (and I realise we are getting off topic of 42nd Street, but whilst we're here!) with going to a show with someone who doesn't go all that often to the theatre. We went to see The Go-Between and we got upgraded to Premium seats for a tenner. So central stalls. And they wanted to eat somewhere on near the Noel Coward Theatre before the show (Go-Between was at the Apollo). I was attempting to rush them, but they wanted to order desert. Anywho, we left the restaurant at 7:20 and the show began at 7:30. Suffice to say, we ran! And I have never been so stressed getting to the theatre in my life! Luckily, we got there at 7:35 and this specific performance there was some tech issues so it started late and they let us take our seats. I've never been late for a show and I wasn't starting there. I nearly murdered my friend who came to see Hamlet at the Almeida with me...who rocked up 3 minutes to curtain. Because they'd been having lunch. |
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Post by duncan on May 13, 2017 8:45:29 GMT
I haven't been to the Theatre with someone else since 1993!!
The prospect of going with someone else fills me with a horror so so deep. I like to go myself as its what I want to see and I'm not having to compromise in what I see.
I see what I want, when I want.
edit - I haven't been to the cinema with someone else since about 1997, I remember being the only person in a packed cinema to laugh at the Oedipus joke in Tomorrow Never Dies and after getting the stare just decided it wasn't worth it anymore.
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Post by purple12 on May 13, 2017 9:11:40 GMT
A lot of my friends think I'm odd for going to the theatre on my own but it's so much about being able to book quickly without corralling/persuading! I recently joined the forum but these posts have made me think I'm really among people who 'get it' so thanks to all! (Sorry for off topic - went to 42nd street on my own and loved it so much I went back and sat in one in A1 which I only knew about because of this forum!)
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 9:26:18 GMT
We really should have this conversation made into its own thread, because its a great topic that deserves a conversation of its own, can one of the mods possibly have these comments moved over to a separate thread so we can discuss it properly?  |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on May 13, 2017 9:36:52 GMT
A new thread has been requested for this discussion from the 42nd Street thread.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 9:39:57 GMT
A new thread has been requested for this discussion from the 42nd Street thread. Thank you! Its a great topic, needed a proper place to discuss so we can get back on topic with the show itself  |
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Post by CG on the loose on May 13, 2017 9:53:20 GMT
Thanks - the topic obviously struck a chord, so good to give it a home of its own |
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Post by bellboard27 on May 13, 2017 9:55:46 GMT
My OH likes theatre but does not want to go as often as I do. So I'm alone about half the time. Both work well for me.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 9:55:54 GMT
All that said (above) I do make a point of going with my Mum a lot. Even though she now says 'Oh no you take your friends' because we never "did" theatre when I was a kid (too poor, too not-of-that-world) but as a teen I begged to go and see Gillian Anderson in her play in London. And that started me and Mum going to the theatre, and taking trips first to London then to NY together for theatre. So despite the fact I ditch my friends for a peaceful theatre going life, I still go with Mum at least once a month, and take trips several times a year.
Also she just tells me if she thinks it's sh*te.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 10:00:05 GMT
With a show like Wicked, I find I go alone a lot but because I have met a lot of people who go regularly over the years, I have found myself going alone but always ending up seeing people I know anyway and sitting near them anyway haha.
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Post by infofreako on May 13, 2017 10:07:49 GMT
Aside from occasional visits with partner or daughter my theatre going is solo.
I enjoy my own company, it gives me freedom to see what I want without worrying about if someone else would like it. Most of all though I can make my own schedule and not worry too much about travel issues
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Post by firefingers on May 13, 2017 10:10:53 GMT
About half the time I go alone. Working in the industry as a freelancer means I can never really plan anything in advance, which doesn't fit in with how most of my friends live. I do have a couple of people I go to the theatre with occasionally (one gets more anxious than me about missing the start which is lovely) but we all have very similar tastes and we are pretty easily impressed so it is very calm and casual.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 10:11:13 GMT
I don't understand going to the theatre with other people because you're just sitting next to them in the dark for a couple of hours. When I meet friends I usually want to chat with them. Unwise amounts of alcohol are sometimes involved too.
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Post by anthony40 on May 13, 2017 10:29:46 GMT
99% of the time I'm a lone wolf.
This only changes depending if the show will appeal to others or not.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 10:38:59 GMT
It's been pointed out to me that however you can end up with good theatre companions even if you don't plan to be there. Like the time mallardo spotted me across the Olivier Circle (and frankly I probably should have moved over there to join you...) |
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 10:43:07 GMT
It's been pointed out to me that however you can end up with good theatre companions even if you don't plan to be there. Like the time mallardo spotted me across the Olivier Circle (and frankly I probably should have moved over there to join you...) That's happened to me a few times. It's funny having a picture on here, I've been recognised a few times in the theatre because of it haha! And all encounters have been lovely, but it is strange that this board makes you a recognised face.
... yes, I am Beyoncé.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 10:47:38 GMT
I go alone as regular at the RSC and book up front row a long time ahead. Usually find Stratford theatre goers friendly.
Enjoy organising the annual group Panto outing to Birmingham Hippodrome. Also happy to do lone London trip but has to be something special due to train fare & London theatre prices.
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Post by mallardo on May 13, 2017 10:48:44 GMT
It's been pointed out to me that however you can end up with good theatre companions even if you don't plan to be there. Like the time mallardo spotted me across the Olivier Circle (and frankly I probably should have moved over there to join you...)
The invitation is always open, Emi.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 10:54:02 GMT
Alone is best for all previously stated reasons. I have a group of fellow theatre-goers now who I don't mind seeing shows with because we are similarly-minded enough that even if they hate a show I love, I don't worry about the huffing because I know I haven't dragged them and they're capable of taking responsibility for their own responses. But I find it stressful enough organising myself, let alone bringing others into the equation! My mum made a huge fuss about wanting to see Cursed Child but still (jokily?) complains about the cost even though it was two plays, preview prices, amazing seats, and she LOVED it. And I could do with a language warning for anything I take my Dad to, he's not fond of swear words and an unexpected barrage can really up the awkwardness levels.
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Post by martin1965 on May 13, 2017 11:07:38 GMT
What does that say about the opinions of those of us who do nearly all our theatregoing alone? So true. I do much of my theatregoing alone too. I prefer it that way to be honest. Snap! |
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Post by martin1965 on May 13, 2017 11:12:03 GMT
A lot of my friends think I'm odd for going to the theatre on my own but it's so much about being able to book quickly without corralling/persuading! I recently joined the forum but these posts have made me think I'm really among people who 'get it' so thanks to all! (Sorry for off topic - went to 42nd street on my own and loved it so much I went back and sat in one in A1 which I only knew about because of this forum!) Oh yes most people just dont get why ypu would go on your own! I usually dont broadcast my trips so as not to get into awkwardness🙈 |
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 11:15:23 GMT
I think I gave up going to the theatre with people often when me and my ex-boyfriend went to Wicked and all he wanted to do was hold hands the whole time (inc. when you are meant to applaud).
... we broke up not long after.
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Post by Latecomer on May 13, 2017 11:34:22 GMT
I go with others most of the time but they are carefully vetted! People from the forum I have known for years (they are good as they don't mind if something is rubbish and just tell me if they don't fancy going, so their fault if it turns out to be terrible) and friends who will let me be in charge!!! By that I mean I decide the train so that there is a sufficient buffer zone and we don't rock up at the theatre 5 mins before the show! I use to do outings from work at National when they let you buy more than 2 £15 seats but hard now....I quite often buy 2 tickets for something as I have so many friends who usually fancy the other ticket! I do also enjoy the odd solo midweek matinee and it does bring a certain freedom....sometimes this is lovely and a real "escape" from everything sometimes can feel a little lonely and you can never reliably predict which it will be! People at work are sometimes funny...work colleague said she would like any spare Harry Potter and Cursed Child ticket if I ever had one....pointed out that the next booking date was very close and she should try for ticket "oh no, I can't plan that far in advance" I pointed out that you can return tickets for refund up to 2 days before and a year soon passes and there was no other way of getting tickets but by that time she had glazed over!!! |
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 11:35:52 GMT
I think I gave up going to the theatre with people often when me and my ex-boyfriend went to Wicked and all he wanted to do was hold hands the whole time (inc. when you are meant to applaud). ... we broke up not long after. Theatre deal breaker with my ex was bringing along the Brother-in-law-to-be (ex's sister not actually married at this point) and him being horrendously drunk to start with and putting his feet up sat in a box. It wasn't the actual reason we broke up but it wasn't endearing...we also had a huge row just prior to Little Shop of Horrors once...I'm surpised nobody got fed to the plant... |
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