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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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1,330 posts
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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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2,051 posts
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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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3,784 posts
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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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1,103 posts
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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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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 11:41:10 GMT
I also find (not naming any names!) but I find when I go to the theatre with people, I am easily influenced to drink and therefore be a little worse for wear by interval and become an emotional wreck at the slightest thing emotional in the show. And some on here would of experienced that, namely Half a Sixpence and Rachel's last show at Wicked.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 11:45:30 GMT
Go alone the vast majority of the time. Living outside of London and not having friends with the same interest as you makes it difficult for it to be otherwise. If I see something I love, I will occasionally come back with my mum in tow to show her.
Having said that, I've had that many requests to come with me to see Hamilton that I'm taking three different groups of people.
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Post by infofreako on May 13, 2017 12:07:08 GMT
I also find (not naming any names!) but I find when I go to the theatre with people, I am easily influenced to drink and therefore be a little worse for wear by interval and become an emotional wreck at the slightest thing emotional in the show. And some on here would of experienced that, namely Half a Sixpence and Rachel's last show at Wicked. Easily influenced. I fear you didnt take much persuading
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 12:11:33 GMT
I also find (not naming any names!) but I find when I go to the theatre with people, I am easily influenced to drink and therefore be a little worse for wear by interval and become an emotional wreck at the slightest thing emotional in the show. And some on here would of experienced that, namely Half a Sixpence and Rachel's last show at Wicked. Easily influenced. I fear you didnt take much persuading Well... a glass of Rosé is a glass of Rosé.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on May 13, 2017 12:19:28 GMT
Extremes of big groups or alone and taking student groups to the theatre regularly is probably why I prefer being on my own when I have the choice, I'm lucky in always having had well behaved students who are a joy to take on a trip but it's still stressful. Usually it's ten or less but groups of seventy plus have been known. One nightmarish trip had a larger group on a coach stuck for an hour or so somewhere in North London between fire engines fighting a fire when we were due at the National. We were in very visible seats and entering late would have been horrific, fifty or so people trying to sneak quietly in to the first few rows. After a series of phone calls they agreed to hold the curtain if we were in the building by 7:30. the coach was eventually able to carry on and I ran from the coach parked behind the National at 7:29 to inform the box office of our arrival with seconds to spare.
So being on my own is great.
On the other hand some shows are greatly enhanced by going with others, especially immersive shows like Heist or Accomplice. Punchdrunk too, as you then get together afterwards, discuss and piece together the jigsaw from what you each saw.
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Post by showgirl on May 13, 2017 15:17:15 GMT
All the advantages of going alone which I'd have listed have been well covered by previous posters so I'll just say that I'm absolutely in favour, to the extent that it quite throws me now if someone ever suggests seeing something together. Plus, as with some of my other interests, other people don't do things to the extent I do: if I like something, I really want to make the most of the opportunity, be it seeing as many plays as possible or walking as far and as fast as I can. But suggest to someone else that you not only go to the theatre but to two performances in one day, preferably preceded by a film or visit to an exhibition, and they think you are weird rather than simply enthusiastic.
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Post by poster J on May 13, 2017 15:29:17 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. I have the opposite problem (if it's really a problem - I keep changing my mind on whether it is or not!) - my friends hate planning in advance, so I can never get them to be organised enough to go to anything that requires booking in advance, like Harry Potter or Hamilton, both of which I'm seeing alone. Occasionally I go with others if we by some miracle manage to get organised, usually for day seating rather than advance booking, but 95% of the time I end up going alone. It doesn't usually bother me, but sometimes it would be nice to have someone to discuss the show with in person rather than just telling my folks about it over the phone while on the bus home, but at least I can post about it on her and find others who've seen the same show.
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Post by Mark on May 13, 2017 15:32:56 GMT
I usually go alone. It's been nice this week in NYC to have a friend with me to discuss with after (and to share the rush queue burden). I have some friends I go with occasionally but it's all very last minute.
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Post by shady23 on May 13, 2017 19:58:49 GMT
One of my friends complained that I booked for Hamilton and didn't ask her along. The stress of getting tickets for things like that is bad enough without finding two good tickets together and then having to ring the friend "oh are you free on this day? Will you pay this price?" By which time the tickets would be gone.
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 20:31:55 GMT
Oh I can never book in advance. Its actually a problem haha! This is the most shows I have booked in advance I have ever had, and its only 6 shows! I know eventually I wil have to book for Hamilton and Harry Potter and I've accepted that, but I am gererally such a spur of the moment person. One day I will wake up and be like "I fancy a double show day" and just do it. The upside being, I am very lucky that I have means of discounts and other ways of getting free or very cheap tickets that barely make a dent in the bank, so I can do a spur of the moment trip and it doesn't make my bank go into meltdown. Obviously I know I am incredibly lucky, and I know not everyone has some of the same luxuries I do with regards to getting cheaper tickets, and I am very grateful of that, as it does mean I can see new shows, as well as return to old favourites as often as I want and it isn't such a big deal.
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